Ramadan 2022 | Origins and Importance Explained

Ramadan 2022 is right round the corner and we’re here to give you a run down on all you need to know about this important event. For Muslims, this is a holy month which is spent self reflecting, fasting, helping those in need whilst also spending time with loved ones

Whether you’re religious or not, understanding the Islamic culture can help you to appreciate and respect the different perspectives of those that surround us. 

Interested in learning more? Keep reading our full guide on Ramadan 2022 and how you can celebrate this year.

What Is Ramadan?

eating pre sunset in ramadan 2022

Within the Muslim calendar, Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month celebrated. It is believed that the Prophet Mohammed said “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained.” – demonstrating its important to the Muslim culture. 

During this period, healthy adult Muslims will fast during daylight hours and abstain from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. They will also celebrate by spending time with loved ones, prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the religious text of Islam – The Quran. 

At the end of the month, Eid al Fitr marks a three day celebration – the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. Here, everyone will join together to indulge in delicious feasts for big families and friends, exchange presents and prayers. 

When Is Ramadan 2022?

sunset

In 2022, Ramadan will take place in the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar dates. It is based on the cycles of the new moon, meaning the date of Ramadan in the Gregorian calendar moves forward about 11 days each year due to the different lengths of the Islamic and Gregorian years.

According to the lunar calendar, Ramadan begins on Saturday 2nd April and ends on Sunday 1st May with the Eid al Fitr celebration. 

Origins Of Ramadan

ramadan book

Did you know, Ramadan has been celebrated around the world for more than 14 centuries? 

Taking it back to the seventh century, this month was when the Prophet Muhammad said that the basic norms of Islamic practice was buit upon five pillars. These pillars are…

  • Profession of Faith (shahada)
  • Prayer (salat)
  • Alms (zakat)
  • Fasting (sawm)
  • Pilgrimage (hajj)

The fourth pillar – Fasting – is to be completed during Ramadan.

According to tradition, Ramadan remembers the month the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) which was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The night that the Qur’an was revealed is known as Lailutul-Qadr (The Night of Power). 

The Quran states:

“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.”

Why Is Ramadan Important?

observing ramadan with friends and family

Ramadan is important as it’s a time of spiritual reflection during the holiest month of Islamic lunar calendar. By observing this celebration, Muslims around the world are devoting themselves to their faith in order to build a stronger relationship with Allah. 

As mentioned before, the Five Pillars of Islam forms the basis of how Muslims live their lives, and Fasting is one of them. Therefore, they will fast during this period to define themselves as a follower of Islamic faith. 

What Is Eid al Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr meaning ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’, is the important holiday that follows the month of Ramadan. Celebrated for a couple of days, it does not begin until the sighting of the moon. It is a time for great feasts, gift-giving, and spending time with those dearest to you. 

What Is Zakat al Fitr?

Before the end of Ramadan, all Muslims should make Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable contribution traditionally a staple food item. Intended to help those less fortunate to enjoy the celebration of Eid al-Fitr with their friends and loved ones, you can donate Zakat al-Fitr through Muslim Aid, who will distribute food items to those most in need.

You can donate Zakat al-Fitr anytime throughout the month, however, like Zakat, many people choose to make their donation on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) which falls in the last 10 days of Ramadan. The Night of Power is a special time, in which rewards are multiplied. 

Is Ramadan Good For Your Health?

dates

Overall, Ramadan can be really good for your health if you observe in accordance with the religious requirements. Fasting has been used as a form of weight management, as it uses your fat reserves and your body naturally detoxifies, giving you the opportunity to continue a healthier lifestyle beyond this holy month. 

At the beginning of the month, you might find it difficult to combat cravings throughout the day. But as the weeks pass, your stomach will shrink, leaving a fuller feeling after only a small amount of food. 

Lastly, after partaking in Ramadan, you might see an improvement in your immune system and metabolism. Your immune system is largely composed of white blood cells and fasting can allow the body to start producing more, which will help massively to fight infection.

In summary, Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayers, and reflection, observed by Muslims across the world. It’ll begin on the 2nd April 2022, so make sure to wish them a Ramadan Mubarak!

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