Embracing Ramadan timetable 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
As tumultuous events unfold globally, the anticipation for the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan, grows among Muslims worldwide. Ramadan also spelt as Ramazan, Ramzan, or Ramzaan, is not merely a month of fasting but a period of communal harmony, reflection, spiritual quest, and acts of charity. In this guide, we delve into the essentials of Ramadan 2024, encompassing its date, historical significance, and the rituals of sehri and iftar.
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Ramadan Date: A Lunar Journey
The Islamic calendar, following the lunar cycle, positions Ramadan approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. For 2024, the tentative commencement of Ramadan is expected on Monday, March 11, or Tuesday, March 12, subject to the moon sighting in Mecca. The crescent of Ramadan is typically first sighted in Saudi Arabia and some parts of India, with the rest of the world following suit in the subsequent days.
Time of Sehri and Iftar
The daily routine during Ramadan revolves around two crucial meals: sehri and iftar. Sehri, consumed before dawn, is a vital pre-fast meal. Iftar marks the evening feast, breaking the fast after the Maghrib prayer. Below are the expected timings for sehri and iftar in India during Ramadan 2024.
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History and Significance
Ramadan holds profound historical significance in Islam, believed to commemorate Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) first revelation. Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, falls within Ramadan, signifying the night when the Holy Quran was revealed. Muslims hold that during this sacred month, devils are restrained, and the gates of Paradise are open while the gates of Hell remain locked. The spiritual rewards, known as ‘Thawab,’ multiply during Ramadan, emphasizing self-reform, charity, and heightened awareness of God, known as taqwa.
Ramadan Celebrations
The core of Ramadan celebrations lies in devotion to Allah and observance of fasts, known as sawm or roza. During this month, Muslims refrain from worldly pleasures and indulge in prayer, self-reflection, and charity. The day begins with sehri, a meal consumed before dawn, followed by abstaining from food and drink until iftar. The breaking of the fast, often with dates or water, is accompanied by the Maghrib prayer. The evening continues with iftar, featuring an array of delicacies, from kebabs and biryani to desserts like sheer khurma and kheer.
Special Observances
Throughout Ramadan, special evening prayers called Taraweeh are conducted, reciting portions of the Quran. The apex of the month is the Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, observed on the 27th day of Ramadan, commemorating the Quran’s first revelation. The culmination of Ramadan leads to Eid-ul-Fitr, a festival marking the end of fasting. The subsequent month, Shawwal, translates to the ‘festival of breaking the fast.’
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Conclusion
As Muslims across the globe await the sighting of the crescent moon, Ramadan 2024 promises a month of spiritual enrichment, communal unity, and acts of compassion. In the tapestry of Ramadan, the nightly feasts, like iftar, become a celebration of culinary diversity, with families sharing traditional dishes, fostering a sense of unity and joy. The culmination of intense prayers during Laylatul Qadr adds a profound spiritual dimension, reminding believers of the sacred origins of the Quran. As the month concludes with Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims engage in festivities, exchanging greetings, partaking in feasts, and extending acts of charity. The essence of Ramadan lies not just in abstaining from physical needs but in the collective pursuit of spiritual elevation, promoting empathy, kindness, and a profound connection with the divine. Embracing the historical significance, adhering to the rituals of sehri and iftar, and participating in special observances, Muslims come together to make this month a transformative and spiritually rewarding experience.
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