With more than 1.8 billion Muslims around the world, most people have heard of Islam. A large majority of those people are likely to have heard about Ramadan, however, lots of Muslims and non-Muslims alike don't truly know what it is. So please, read on and allow me to change that...

Who observes Ramadan?
As we said, around the world there is approximately 1.8 billion Muslims. Every (practicing) Muslim observes Ramadan by fasting, however there are some exceptions. Young children (haven't reached puberty) do not have to fast. The elderly and those with chronic illnesses do not have to fast, however should pay a small sum to charity for the fasts they miss. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or on their menstruation period, travellers and people with short term illnesses (mental and physical) do not have to fast, however should make up their missed fasts after Ramadan, when they are able.

When is Ramadan?
In Islam, the lunar calendar is traditionally used. This means that one month is exactly the amount of time taken for the moon to orbit the Earth. As a result, you cannot say "the first month of a lunar calendar is 30 days, the second is 29...", as the end of the month is determined as and when the new moon is sighted. The days in a lunar month vary between 29 and 30.
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar; it is the 9th time the moon goes around the Earth. In 2024, the start of the 9th month of the lunar calendar was the night of the 10th of March, so Ramadan 2024 will (approximately) be the 11th of March to the 11th of April (as lunar days are 24 hours starting from sunset).

What is the significance of Ramadan?
The story behind Ramadan is arguably the most important in Islam. During the last ten nights of Ramadan (or Laylatul Qadr), in the year 610 CE, the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) was in Cave Hira, when the Angel Jibril gave him the first chapter of the Quran (God's words), called Surah Al-Alaq. 1,400 years later, almost 25% of the world's population is Muslim, Islam is the fasting growing religion and we still remember the story of how Islam came to be. As a result, Ramadan is an incredibly important month, during which Muslims remember God even more than usual.

How do we observe Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims increase their worship to God, or Dhikr. They do so by praying more often, particularly during the night, reading the Quran more often, and studying Islam. In addition, Muslims go to the Mosque more often, give Zakat (charity) and many even stay up all night, particularly during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Finally, Muslims fast each day of Ramadan, from just before sunrise to sunset.

The tenth Islamic month is called Shawwal, and the first day of the new month is celebrated by Muslims as Eid-al-Fitr. Muslims are not allowed to fast on the three days of this celebration, and often take days off, see family, eat mountains of food, and pray a special Eid prayer.

Why do we fast?
During Ramadan, Muslims increase their prayers and worship to God, so why do we fast as well? Well, fasting is a reminder of how fortunate we are to have a meal on the table at the end of the day. It is also a one of the strongest forms of worship to God. This is because when doing other forms of worship, you often spend the day busy, working, studying or doing hobbies, before taking out time to worship. In contrast, when spending the day fasting, not only are you consistently remembering God, but every time you see food, you think of God more, and even after Ramadan you think twice before eating; fasting has the lasting effect of reminding you of God as regularly as you see food, or hear your stomach rumble. This is known as Taqwa, or God-consciousness. By being more aware of God, Muslims commit less sins (as they know God is watching) and practice good deeds more often.

Thank you so much for reading; I hope you learnt something new.
If any non-Muslims do wish to get involved in Ramadan, try fasting for the day and see how you do! Or, look into Islam, and study the Quran in your own language.
Finally,
Ramadan Mubarak 2024, to all <3