Alhamdulillah, the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is filled with joy as Ramadan is upon us once again. A month of worship, reflection, and reconnecting with our Creator. Furthermore, it is a chance to expose ourselves to the bountiful blessings and grace of our Lord.
During this month, we practice patience, express our appreciation, and remember to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate.
So, when does this year’s Ramadan begin?
When determining the various months, Muslims adhere to the Islamic lunar calendar.
According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan begins when the crescent moon is sighted. This can happen at different times in different countries, due to differences in time zones and geographic locations.
Consequently, Ramadan moves earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar by about 10 days.
In Islamic culture, the night is considered to precede the day. Therefore, the month commences after Maghrib (following the sighting of the moon). Each Ramadan day starts at sundown and ends when the sun sets on the following evening.
Mark your calendars, as Ramadan 2023 is anticipated to begin on the evening of Wednesday 22 March with the first day of fasting kicking off on Thursday 23rd of March.
The month of Ramadan lasts for approximately 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s cycle.
During this season, Muslims worldwide will practice fasting by abstaining from food and drink along with marital relations from sunrise until sunset.
They will also increase in praying, reciting the Quran, giving charity, and other devotional practices.
Ramadan 2023 is expected to end on Friday 21st April after sundown, marking the start of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the major celebrations in Islam, celebrated after Ramadan’s completion. The day marks the triumphant culmination of a month-long period of fasting for Muslims, who now gather with their loved ones to celebrate and feast.
Eid al-Fitr is often referred to as “the Feast of Breaking the Fast” and is accompanied by special prayers, traditional food, new clothing, and charity.
Excitement for Eid al-Fitr culminates over three days, but the festivities cannot begin until its crescent moon is seen in the night sky.
The 2023 celebration looks to be on Saturday, April 22nd, or Sunday 23rd.
This day serves as a reminder of the blessings God has bestowed upon us to be celebrated with gratitude and joy. It also offers an opportunity for families to come together in celebration and connect with one another while reflecting on their accomplishments during Ramadan.
On this day of rejoicing, Muslims will often exchange gifts and kind words of congratulations with one another.
Zakat al-Fitr, more commonly known as ‘Fitrana’, is a religious requirement to provide aid for the less fortunate at the conclusion of Ramadan. To ensure even those without means are able to celebrate Eid festivities in their own right, this donation must be made prior to prayer and cover all members from young children through to elderly relatives within your household.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated in relation to Zakat al Fitr:
“The fasting of the month of fasting will be hanging between the earth and the heavens and it will not be raised up to the Divine Presence without paying the Zakat al-Fitr.” (Nasai)
Human Concern International Canada offers an effortless and secure way to provide Zakat al-Fitr so that you can help those in need. Your donation will contribute to the fight against poverty and provide assistance for families in crisis.
With your help, Human Concern International Canada can ensure that everyone is able to celebrate Eid festivities with dignity and joy. Let us come together and put a smile on the faces of many this Eid with the power of giving!
Human Concern International is the oldest Muslim relief organization in Canada, fighting poverty for over 40 years.
We are a registered charity with the CRA. Charitable Registration No. 107497125 RR 0001