Ramadan

Ramadan Quick Facts - ZA

Hashtags	#Ramadan, #Ramadan2020
Related Hashtags	#RamadanMubarak, #RamadanKareem
2023 Date	23 March 2023
2024 Date	11 March 2024

2023 Holidays & Dates

Ramadan (start) in 2023

Thursday, 23 Mar

Days to go:

Ramadan History

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎ ) is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. It is said God decreed this entire month holy for Muslims so that they can increase their remembrance of life after death. Muslims also abstain from all bad deeds and habits, like smoking, swearing, backbiting, and disrespectfulness. Muslims reflect upon themselves, their religion, and the characteristics of God.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and as such, it is obligatory for Muslims. Fasting and abstaining from bad habits allow Muslims to learn self-control, humility, and generosity. Unlike the fast of Ashurah, the fasts of Ramadan are declared mandatory by God because like salah (praying towards Mecca), fasting helps Muslims maintain spiritual and physical health.

The start date of Ramadan is based on a Lunar observance of the a new Moon over Mecca (Saudi Arabia). As such the start of Ramadan may vary by a day from country to country. Date shown is for South Africa. This exact date is open for interpretation and often not confirmed till a few months before.

The start date shown for Ramadan in 2023 is an estimate as the official date for South Africa has not been confirmed.

Top Tweets for Ramadan -

When half the world is in Ramadan and the other half isn’t Shaytaan: https://t.co/jcKEjvczze
— Chris Tucker (@IsmailMateenah) April 1, 2022

Many will start #Ramadan tomorrow. The rest on Sunday. I wish each and every one of you the most blessed and spiritually uplifting month. May the Almighty keep us steadfast and make us better people. #RamadanMubarak https://t.co/sPam9LFdCI
— Mufti Menk (@muftimenk) April 1, 2022

How cute is google! #Ramadan May we all have an emotional, spiritual and physical cleansing month iA May our hearts heal and our gratitude and charity multiply during this month Ameen https://t.co/M9FaLSoB8Q
— NaomiOsaka's_Sweatband (@Kind_regards__) April 1, 2022

In the News and Trending for Ramadan

Updated 08:24Moon not sighted in South Africa, Ramadan to begin on Sunday

citizen.co.za

Ukraine sunflower oil price surge casts shadow over Ramadan meals

timeslive.co.za

Moon sighting vitally important to signal beginning of Ramadan

citizen.co.za

Celebrate the start of Ramadan with Eid-inspired nougat, delectable rocky road recipe

timeslive.co.za

Ramadan (start) Facts & Quotes

Ramadan comes from the word ramadaa, which means sunbaked in Arabic.
According to Islamic tradition, menstruating women, women who are experiencing bleeding after giving birth, people who are sick (either with short term or long term illnesses), and travelers are exempt from fasting. Pregnant women also have the option of skipping fasts.
In Islamic countries, when Ramadan ends and the crescent moon is first seen, people bang drums and give mighty shouts.
According to Sunnah belief, the Prophet Muhammad once said, There is no conceit in fasting.
O who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you; perchance you will guard yourselves (Quran, 2:183)

Ramadan Top Events and Things to Do

The fast is usually broken in a family setting, where traditional foods are served. Most Muslims begin their meal with a few dates and a glass of milk because the Prophet Muhammad used to do the same. The high sugar content of the dates sends energy to weary fasting Muslim, while the fiber in the dates and the protein in the milk fills them up and prevents nausea.
In Islamic countries, the end of the fast is signaled by a loud call to the sunset prayer. Most people eat a small meal, pray at the mosque, and then join their families for a large, festive dinner.