Alhamdulillah – it’s nearly Ramadan!
As the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a special time for Muslims around the world – an opportunity for spiritual growth, to see loved ones and a perfect time to help those in need. Muslims from all walks of life gather to celebrate this time of faith, devotion and compassion.
But because Ramadan’s date changes each year, you might need to double check when Ramadan actually begins.
Read on to discover the dates you need to keep in mind to make the most of this holy month.
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan marks the month when Allah (SWT) sent Angel Jibreel AS down to reveal the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in 610 AD. To celebrate this month, Muslims strive for spiritual growth to become closer to Allah (SWT).
Ramadan is a time for faith, self-discipline, patience and compassion. To bring all of this to the forefront of your mind, Muslims fast between dawn and dusk, aiming to nourish their soul more than their body.
As well as giving up food, Muslims also abstain from bad habits, choosing to spend more time in prayer, doing good deeds or spending time with friends and family.
When Is Ramadan?
Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, it’s always worth checking what date Ramadan begins because each year will be different, roughly going back 10 days each year.
The start of Ramadan is officially determined when the new crescent moon is sighted, although you can estimate this beforehand.
In 2022, Ramadan is estimated to start on the evening of Saturday 2nd April.
How Long Is Ramadan?
Ramadan isn’t just a short period of devotion to Allah. Ramadan is actually the whole ninth month of the Islamic calendar, lasting between 29 and 30 days.
The final ten days of Ramadan are actually the most blessed of all. The Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr) is a sacred night that commemorates the night when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). It is on this night that Allah shows greatest mercy and so Muslims pray for forgiveness, recite the Quran and give to charity, to name a few good deeds.
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Qur’an 97:3)
The end of Ramadan is also marked by a three-day festival – Eid ul-Fitr (the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast). Not only does Eid ul-Fitr celebrate the end of fasting, but it’s also a chance to thank Allah for giving you the strength to get through Ramadan. There are services in mosques and a special meal during the daytime – a particularly important one since it’s the first daytime meal in a month! Muslims dress in their finest clothes, give gifts to children and give money to charity.
Ramadan Calendar
Ramadan is far more than just a month of fasting and praying. There are important dates to keep in mind and days to celebrate.
Here’s a handy list of dates to pop in your diary to make sure you don’t miss anything and make the most of this blessed month.
- Saturday 2nd April: Ramadan begins
- Sunday 3rd April: Sawm – the first day of fasting
- Thursday 28th April: The Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr)
- Sunday 1st May: The final day of Ramadan
- Monday 2nd May: Eid ul-Fitr begins
Remember not to miss any of these dates, particularly the final ten nights of Ramadan. The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is not definite which is why the Prophet Mohammed recommended to “Seek it in the last ten days, on the odd nights,” although the 27th night is the one to pay most attention to.
You’ll want to take advantage of this period since the final ten nights are better than a thousand months. Every reward from a good deed in the name of Allah is multiplied – this is when you should give Sadaqah or Zakat to really make it count.
Charity Right has made it easy to make sure you never forget to give to charity in the final ten nights. You can schedule your donations now so you can focus on worship without worry.
Night of Power is Charity Right’s innovative tool to spread your donations however you like over the last ten nights of Ramadan. Click here to schedule your donations now.
