Berlin. The fasting month of Ramadan begins on March 10th. What significance does it have in Islam? And what is left out? The facts at a glance.
Ramadan has a special meaning for millions of believing Muslims worldwide. The month of fasting begins on March 10th. You can read about the rules and customs here
Do not eat or drink anything, from the beginning of dusk in the morning until darkness in the evening – for 30 days: For around 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, the month of fasting begins on March 10th Ramadan. The believers usually meet after sunset for Iftar, the breaking of the fast, and for nightly prayers in the mosque. Family and friends sit together until late at night.
But what are the reasons behind Ramadan? What exactly is this important religious custom all about? Who must – according to religious rules – fasten? And what exceptions are there? The overview.
How long does Ramadan last?
The Islamic fasting month of Ramadan lasts 30 days. He starts loudly Koran, when the crescent moon becomes visible after the new moon. Since the date of this event varies from year to year, the period of fasting also changes. In 2024 it begins on March 10th and ends with the Sugar Festival on April 9th and 10th. Ramadan will fall during these periods in the coming years:
2025: February 28th to March 30th2026: February 16th to March 18th2027: February 7th to March 8th2028: January 27th to February 25th
What does “Ramadan Kareem” mean?
With the greeting “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” Karim”, Muslims wish each other a blessed Ramadan. Read about it: The most beautiful WhatsApp greetings in Ramadan
What does fasting mean in Islam?
Fasting in Ramadan is the third of five pillars of the Islamic faith, one of the most important foundations of the religion. In the ninth month of the lunar calendar, Muslims should wake up from dusk in the morning until dark in the evening Eating, drinking, smoking and sex waive. The aim is to return to the essentials and promote humility and gratitude. The other pillars are:
The CreedThe Pilgrimage to MeccaThe PrayerThe Charity
Why do you have to fast in Ramadan?
A flyer from the Islamic organization Ditib, the Islamic association with the largest number of members in Germany, states: “The real goal of fasting is to achieve God’s recognition.” Fasting should be the abstinence of man show. “There is a donation for everything; and the donation of the body is fasting,” the flyer continues.
Ditib also describes the benefits and meaning of Ramadan. It is said that fasting “enhances our ethical values, protects us from evil, teaches people to be kind (…), makes people physically and spiritually healthy, brings people patience and teaches people to understand the true value of blessing”.
You can find an overview of the Ramadan prayer times in Berlin in the “Berliner Morgenpost”.
A central part of the fasting month of Ramadan is breaking the fast in the evening. © Drazen Zigic/istockphotos | Drazen Zigic/istockphotos
What are the rules for Ramadan?
During Lent, devout Muslims abstain from eating food and drink between dusk in the morning and darkness in the evening. During this time they get up before sunrise to eat and drink. They don’t eat anything during the day. This only begins after sunset, when it is dark Breaking the fastwhich concludes with a Ramadan prayer.
However, there is more to fasting than that Waiver on food and drinks. The believers should renounce all human desires: sexual intercourse, alcohol consumption and even smoking are taboo. On the Ditib website it says: “Fasting also teaches people in a hurry to remain calm. It teaches them to keep their infinite desires and urges under control.” Many people also avoid wearing flashy clothing, perfume or make-up during Ramadan.
What does Ramadan have to do with donations?
This is an important aspect of Lent Donate: During Ramadan, it is part of Muslims to help those in need. Many organizations specifically ask for donations during the month of fasting.
Is Ramadan suitable for children?
Actually are all healthy believers those who are of legal age are obliged to fast. In this case, anyone who has reached puberty is considered to be of age. Children do not need to fast. Many religious families gradually introduce their young children to fasting.
Ramadan: Who doesn’t have to fast?
In addition to children, there are other exceptions. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, menstruating women, the sick or the elderly do not need to fast. Anyone who is traveling is also excluded from Ramadan. Some athletes or people who do hard physical work do not observe Lent. However – if you can, you have to Fasting according to religious regulations, make up for it later.
Interesting facts about the fasting month of Ramadan
What do you call the festival after Ramadan?
The Sugarproof belongs next to that Festival of Sacrifice on the most important holidays for Muslims. In addition to visiting the mosque with celebratory prayers, visiting parents or grandparents is also included. The festival is celebrated together with relatives. Children in particular receive gifts, money and sweets.
The month of fasting takes place once a year, but is not based on the Gregorian calendar, but rather on the Lunar calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Since the lunar year is shorter than the solar year, Ramadan moves forward by ten or eleven days each year.
A central part of the fasting month of Ramadan is breaking the fast in the evening. © Drazen Zigic/istockphotos | Drazen Zigic/iStock
(dpa/fmg)