Millions of Muslims around the world mark the start of Ramadan on Wednesday in some countries and Thursday according to the Saudi calendar, a month of intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts. Hill (the crescent) coincides with the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon marks the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan, but geographical differences can change when Ramadan begins.
U.S. President Donald Trump released an official statement from the White House marking the holiday, “As so many people unite to celebrate Ramadan, Melania and I join in the hope for a blessed month. Ramadan Mubarak.” The statement, however, did not appear on either Trump’s or the White House’s official Twitter accounts – a rare move for the avid social media friendly White House.
Here’s a look at some questions and answers about Islam’s holiest month:
WHY DO MUSLIMS FAST?
Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one’s prayers. Many Muslims dress more conservatively during Ramadan and spend more time at the mosque than at any other time of the year.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and performing the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
Muslim scholars say it’s not enough to just avoid food and drinks during the day, though. Spouses must abstain from sexual intercourse during the day, and Muslims should not engage in road rage, cursing, fighting or gossiping.
Muslims are also encouraged to observe the five daily prayers on time and to use their downtime just before breaking their fast at sunset to recite Quran and intensify remembrance of God.
To prepare for the fast, Muslims eat what is commonly called “suhoor,” a pre-dawn meal of power foods to get them through the day.
HOW DO MUSLIMS BREAK THEIR FAST?
Muslims traditionally break their fast like the Prophet Mohammed did some 1,400 years ago, with a sip of water and some dates at sunset. That first sip of water is by far the most anticipated moment of the day. Read more