Ramadan 2023: Significance, Date, and Eid-ul-Fitr

Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims around the world. During this time, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night according to the Islamic calendar. The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid al-Fitr.

In India, Ramadan is set to begin on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, after the sighting of the moon over Mecca. The month of Ramadan will end on Friday, April 21, 2023, and Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic/Hijri calendar, and its length ranges from 29 to 30 days depending on the sighting of the Shawwal Moon. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and during this holy month, Muslims believe that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. The Arabic word "Ramad / Ramida" means "scorching heat" or "drought," from which the English word "Ramadan" is derived. Therefore, Ramadan means abstinence from eating and/or drinking anything from dawn till dusk.

Also read: Ramadan Essentials: Must-Have Items for the Holy Month

According to tradition, an Arabian man named Muhammad, who lived in the city of Mecca, began receiving revelations from Allah or God through an angel named Gabriel. The revelations or prophecies were collected in 114 chapters, which were then combined into a book that is now known as the Holy Quran. Those who follow Islam believe that Mohammad was the last in a long line of prophets sent by God to preach peace, love, and unity to the world.