Tasnim is a Kaplan Student Content Creator studying at the University of Brighton. She is from Oman and here she shares all you need to know about Ramadan.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the most important month in the Islamic calendar. It serves as a reminder of the month when the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammed “Peace Be Upon Him”.
During this month, Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. This is called fasting. Children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, at around the age of 14. In addition, if someone is sick or travelling a long distance, it is not necessary to fast, but they have to make up for this lost fasting on other days after Ramadan.
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar, and the day changes every year due to the Islamic calendar being based on the cycles of the moon.
In 2023 in the UK, Ramadan starts on Wednesday 22 March and ends on Friday 21 April.
How do we celebrate?
Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. Fasting teaches Muslims to be patient and think of the suffering of the poor around the world, and devote themselves to their faith.
During Ramadan, we have 2 meals: the first one is called “Iftar” and we eat it as soon as the sun starts to set, and the second meal is called “Suhoor”, which we eat just before sunrise.
I am currently a student in the UK, but I celebrate it the same way as I usually do in my home country. However, obviously there will be no gathering with my family and friends, and this is the most difficult thing for me because it makes me feel nostalgic.
During Ramadan, Muslims give up all bad habits. Observing Ramadan is a way to be nearer to our lord by praying, doing good deeds, being with family and friends and helping people in need.
Throughout Ramadan, we try our best to read the whole Qur’an, and men attend all the prayers at the mosque. After Ramadan, we celebrate our achievement in a big celebration called Eid ul-Fitr “this is a festival of the breaking of the fast and thanking Allah for the strength that he gave us to fast during the previous month”.
During this great celebration, we wear new clothes, share gifts, visit families, neighbours and friends, give money to charities and eat sweet and special cuisine.
And that’s everything! Thank you for reading my blog about Ramadan — I hope I have helped you learn something about this special time of the year.
