In just a few days the Holy month of Ramadan will begin. It will be a month where Muslims fast and abstain from some of the basics in life. No food or drink from sunrise to sunset among other things. It is a time of prayer and reflection in ones life.
Traditionally, the start of Ramadan is dependent upon the sighting of the moon as Islam’s calendar is based in the lunar year. However, given the advancements in science, astronomical calculations, the lunar calendar can be determined with consistency without requiring actual sightings. Therefore, depending on the school of thought followed, the start of Ramadan could be different for some Muslims.
Obviously with the Muslim population being spread through the the world, having a sighting of the moon on the same date is next to impossible. It is for that reason, and the belief that all Muslims should celebrate in solidarity that some prefer to use the astronomical calculation as the starting date. Others however believe the hadiths provide for Ramandan to commence after the moon is sighted in that particular region.
For this year, 2016 Ramadan is to begin June 6th and conclude on July 5th. Eid al-fitr will therefore be on July 6th.
Eid al-fitr is a celebration at the conclusion of Ramadan. Gifts are exchanged, well wishes granted but most of all, it is a time that Muslims give donations to the poor. These donations are of food, like meats and rice to ensure they too can celebrate and receive the blessings of Ramadan. Additionally, it is said that Zakat (almsgiving) one of the pillars of Islam, is handsomely rewarded during Ramadan over other months in the year. As such, some Muslims will choose to donate most of their required Zakat during this month to receive the highest reward.
Below is a table of prayer times for 2016 Ramadan. Fasting begins with the call to fajr prayer, and ends with maghrib.
