Ramadan 2024
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RAMADAN 2024 APPEALS
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Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating or drinking from dawn until sunset, a practice known as fasting. Typically, children are not required to fast until they reach puberty, typically around the age of 14.
Ramadan commemorates the month during which the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The specific night of this revelation is known as Lailat ul-Qadr, translated as “The Night of Power.”
Ramadan 2024 is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Every year, its dates change because the Islamic calendar follows the Moon’s phases. Ramadan 2024 donate to where most needed
It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle. Ramadan 2024 donate to where most needed
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Monday 11th March 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Many Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Fasting is a way for them to focus on their religion. It helps them learn self-control and makes them think about people who don’t have enough food. But, some people, like children, pregnant women, old folks, and those who are sick or traveling, don’t have to fast.
In Ramadan, it’s normal to eat two meals. One is called suhoor (the closing of the fast), just before dawn, and the other is called iftar (the opening of the fast), right after sunset.
During Ramadan, most Muslims aim to quit bad habits. It’s a time for prayer and doing good things. They spend time with family and friends and help those who need it. Many Muslims try to read the entire Qur’an at least once during Ramadan. They also go to special services at mosques where the Qur’an is read aloud during their prayers, this is called ‘Taraweeh’
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a grand festival known as ‘Eid ul-Fitr’ or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.
Muslims don’t just rejoice because fasting has ended; they also express gratitude to Allah for the strength they received during the preceding month. Ramadan 2024 donate to where most needed
Special services are held in mosques, and a special meal is enjoyed during daylight hours, marking the first daytime meal in a month. Ramadan 2024 donate to where most needed
On Eid ul-Fitr, Muslims dress in their finest attire, exchange gifts with children, and cherish moments with loved ones. It’s also a time for charitable giving, with many Muslims contributing to charity on Eid.
Dua To Close Fast (Suhoor)
There is a special duaa for fasting which should be made before the fast begins each day:
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Transliteration: Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan.
Translation: I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.
Dua To Open Fast (Iftar)
There is a special duaa for breaking the fast which should be made at the given time before Magrib
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ [وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ] وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ
O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You [and I put my trust in You] and I break my fast with Your sustenance.
[“wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu” is quoted in some books of knowledge – but not all, hence it is in brackets]
[Abu Dawud]
Transliteration:
Allahumma Inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu [wa alayka tawakkalto] wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu
The Five Pillars Of Islam
SHAHADAH
Declaration Of Faith
The first pillar of Islam is the Shahada, the assertion of faith. There are two shahadas: “There is no god but God” and “Muhammad is the messenger of God”. This set statement is normally recited in Arabic: lā ʾilāha ʾillā-llāhu muḥammadun rasūlu-llāh (لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا الله مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ الله) “There is no god but God (and) Muhammad is the messenger of God.” It is essential to utter it to become a Muslim and to convert to Islam.
SALAH
Prayer
An essential form of worship and spiritual connection with Allah (God). Salah is performed five times a day, at prescribed times: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (just after sunset), and Isha (night).
SAWM
Fasting
Sawm, or fasting, is a core practice in Islam observed during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn to sunset. Fasting is obligatory for adult Muslims who are physically and mentally capable, with exceptions for specific groups.
ZAKAT
Alms Giving
Zakat is a mandatory form of almsgiving in Islam, constituting one of its Five Pillars. Muslims give 2.5% of their wealth annually to assist the needy, purify their wealth, and promote social justice. It’s a duty for those meeting the wealth threshold and aims to support the poor, destitute, and others in need. Zakat fosters solidarity, compassion, and economic equity within Muslim communities.
HAJJ
Pilgrimage
Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, a central pillar of Islam and one of its Five Pillars. It is an obligatory religious duty for adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage commemorates the actions and sacrifices of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, including his wife Hajar and son Isma’il (Ishmael), as well as the unity and equality of all Muslims before Allah.