Ramadan 2017 – when does it end, when did the festival start and why do Muslims fast?
FOR millions of Muslims Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and religious devotion, comes to an end today.
The festival falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar – but what is it and why does the start date vary from year to year?
When is Ramadan 2017?
This year Ramadan started on May 27 and finishes TODAY (June 24).
Following this, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which is often known as Eid.
The Eid celebration, which is to be held on Sunday, marks the end of the Ramadan fasting and the start of the next month, Shawwal.
Why is Ramadan holy?
Muslims believe the Koran was revealed during the ninth month of the holy calendar, Ramadan.
Their teaching says that the Prophet Mohammed received revelations from God during this time, which made up their holy guide.
In light of this, Muslims will read as much of the Koran as they can during the holy month.
How is Ramadan celebrated?
Ramadan is considered a time for intense prayer and religious devotion, with Muslims encouraged to observe five daily prayers throughout the day.
Many will recite the Quran just before sunset and the start of their feasting.
Often people will donate money to charity during Ramadan and help to feed the hungry.
And Muslims will also take the time to cut down on other vices such as gossiping, swearing and fighting.
Married couples refrain from sexual intercourse during the day.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, from dawn to dusk but are able to enjoy feasts in the evening.
Meals include an early morning suhur, between 2.30am and 3am, and an evening iftar is enjoyed around 9pm-9.30pm.
Dedicated Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking throughout the entire day, with a single puff of a cigarette or sip of water considered enough to invalidate their efforts.
The period is intended to bring religious followers closer to God and to remind them of people who are less fortunate.
Can Muslims be exempt from fasting during Ramadan?
There are a few groups that don’t have to follow the strict fasting during the month.
These include children, the sick, the elderly and women who are either pregnant or on their period.
Typically those who have reached puberty or are around the age of 14 or upwards, will take part.
There are other special circumstances that can see people let off, such as athletes competing in a tournament or during periods of travel.
Why do the dates of Ramadan change each year?
The Islamic calendar is different from the widely-used Gregorian calendar.
It is based on the moon’s cycle, whereas the Gregorian one is determined by the sun.
As the two don’t align, the Islamic dates move back by 11 days each year.
What are the five pillars of Islam?
Fasting is a vital part of Muslim life, and it is even part of the Five Pillars of Islam which form the foundation to the religion.
The other pillars are prayer, charity, faith and a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The fasting must be undertaken during the hours of daylight from dawn until dusk.