Ramadan starts on Thursday, March 23

Ramadan starts on Thursday, March 23

According to  Bangsamoro Deputy Mufti Abdulrauf Guialani, the absence of a moon sighting on Tuesday night indicates that fasting for the Holy Month of Ramadan will start on Thursday, March 23.

This announcement was made by Bangsamoro Deputy Mufti Abdulrauf Guialani after receiving reports from moon-sighting committees across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Ramadan is a time for spiritual contemplation, involving prayer, fasting, and refraining from sinful activities.

During this month, Muslims around the world observe fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as a form of worship and self-discipline.

Ramadan is also a time for increased spiritual reflection, prayer, charity, and community gatherings, and it culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the month of fasting.

According to Reuters' Alaa Al-Marjani, Ramadan will commence with the sighting of the first crescent Moon and conclude with a complete solar eclipse this year.

What are the guidelines of Ramadan?

Ramadan is a month-long religious observance practiced by Muslims around the world. The rules of Ramadan are based on the teachings of Islam and are meant to help Muslims focus on spiritual growth and self-discipline. Here are some of the main rules of Ramadan:

• Fasting: The most important rule of Ramadan is fasting, which means abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset each day. This includes abstaining from smoking, sexual activity, and other worldly pleasures.

• Prayer: Muslims are encouraged to pray more often during Ramadan, especially during the night prayers known as Taraweeh.

• Charity: Ramadan is a time for giving to those in need. Muslims are encouraged to give charity or Zakat during this time.

• Quranic recitation: Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran more often during Ramadan and to try to complete the entire book by the end of the month.

• Suhur and Iftar: Muslims break their fast at sunset with a meal known as Iftar, and they eat a pre-dawn meal known as Suhur before beginning their fast for the day.

• Self-discipline: Ramadan is a time for self-discipline and reflection. Muslims are encouraged to avoid negative thoughts and behaviors, and to focus on improving their spiritual and moral character.

These are some of the main rules of Ramadan, but there are many other customs and practices associated with the month, depending on the culture and traditions of the local Muslim community.

What is the reason why Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan?

Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, as a form of spiritual practice and as a way to fulfill one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Fasting during Ramadan involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours, from dawn until sunset.

The primary reason Muslims fast during Ramadan is to practice self-discipline and to increase their spiritual awareness and closeness to God. Fasting is seen as a way to purify the soul and increase one's empathy for those who are less fortunate. It is also believed to strengthen one's relationship with God, and provide an opportunity for introspection, reflection, and personal growth.

Fasting during Ramadan is also seen as a way to show solidarity with the Muslim community, as well as a way to remember and honor the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet during the month of Ramadan, and so fasting during this month is considered a way to honor this important event in Islamic history.

Is it okay to eat in front of someone who is fasting?

While it is not forbidden to eat in front of someone who is fasting, it is generally considered polite and respectful to avoid doing so, especially if the person is fasting for religious reasons. Eating in front of someone who is fasting may be seen as insensitive or inconsiderate, and can make the person feel uncomfortable or even tempted to break their fast.

If you must eat in front of someone who is fasting, it is advisable to do so discreetly and respectfully. You can also ask the person if they mind if you eat in front of them, and if they say it's okay, try to be considerate by not flaunting your food or eating too noisily.

In Islamic tradition, fasting is seen as a personal act of worship and self-discipline, and Muslims are encouraged to focus on their own spiritual journey rather than comparing themselves to others or being distracted by external influences. Therefore, it is important to respect the choices and practices of those who are fasting, and to be mindful of their feelings and needs.