There are only 47 days left before the start of Ramadan, get ready.
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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection and charity for Muslims across the world. Its importance in Islam is multiple and profound, touching on the spiritual, social and moral dimensions of a believer's life.
Find prayer times and Iftar and Imsak times: click here
According to astronomical calculations Ramadan 2024 will begin on March 11, 2024..
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. This includes abstaining from food, drink, tobacco and sexual activity. This fast is considered an act of worship and spiritual purification, aimed at strengthening the individual relationship with God.
Ramadan is a time to strengthen faith, patience, self-control and gratitude to God for His blessings.
During this month, Muslims are encouraged to be more generous, to practice charity towards the most deprived, to offer meals to the needy, thus strengthening community ties and compassion towards others.
Ramadan brings the Muslim community together around the principles of sharing and unity, whether through collective prayers, shared meals to break the fast (iftar) or acts of charity.
Ramadan offers the opportunity to draw closer to God, seek forgiveness for past sins and purify oneself mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Fasting teaches discipline, patience and perseverance, while encouraging people to avoid negative behaviors and cultivate positive values.
Ramadan is not limited to abstention from food and drink, but is a time of spiritual renewal, reflection, strengthening community bonds and intensive practice of Islamic teachings. For Muslims, it is a sacred time to draw closer to God and refocus on the fundamental values of Islam
| City | Iftar | Imsak | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris, France | 21:32 | 04:05 | 17h27 min |
| London, United Kingdom | 22:00 | 04:35 | 17h 25 min |
| New York, United States | 22:35 | 05:10 | 17h 15 min |
| Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 19:29 | 03:02 | 16h 27 min |
| Dakar, Senegal | 20:44 | 04:17 | 16h 27 min |
| Tokyo, Japan | 22:10 | 05:45 | 16h 35 min |
| Sydney, Australia | 21:15 | 04:50 | 16h 25 min |
| Cairo, Egypt | 21:00 | 04:00 | 17h |
Ramadan is a month dedicated to strengthening faith. Believers engage in introspection, drawing closer to God through prayer, recitation of the Quran, and meditation. It is a time to deepen your spiritual relationship.
Fasting during Ramadan involves not only abstaining from food and drink, but also controlling thoughts, words and actions. It is an opportunity to cultivate personal discipline and self-control.
Ramadan encourages compassion towards those less fortunate. Believers are encouraged to be generous, to give to the needy, and to be considerate of the needs of others. Charitable actions are common during this month.
Ramadan promotes solidarity within the Muslim community. Collective prayers, shared meals to break the fast (iftar) and acts of charity strengthen the bonds between individuals.
Daily fasting reminds us of the value of blessings received and encourages gratitude to God. Believers use this month to reflect on their lives, past actions and future goals.
Ramadan isconsidered a time of purification, where one seeks God's forgiveness by repenting of their sins and seeking to become a better person.
Many use Ramadan to deepen their understanding of Islam, by studying the Quran and participating in religious discussions and studies.
Prayer occupies a predominant place during Ramadan. It is through prayer that believers strengthen their bond with God, seek guidance and spiritual strength to complete the fast and live this holy month with devotion. Daily prayer during Ramadan is an opportunity to center, meditate and connect with spirituality, while constantly remembering the divine presence.
Fasting teaches patience, self-control and compassion towards those less fortunate. By abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, believers experience hunger and thirst, thereby developing empathy towards those who suffer from hunger daily. Fasting is a way to purify oneself physically and spiritually, to draw closer to God and to cultivate gratitude for the blessings received.
Ramadan encourages generosity and mutual assistance towards those in need. Generosity goes beyond the simple act of giving money or food; it encompasses opening the heart, sharing with empathy and solidarity with other members of the community. By extending a helping hand to the needy during this blessed month, believers strengthen social bonds, create bridges of unity and spread the spirit of compassion and sharing.
Charity is an obligation for every Muslim and Ramadan is the ideal time to fulfill this responsibility. Giving charity (Zakat) during this month is a way of purifying property, supporting the most vulnerable and contributing to social balance by redistributing wealth fairly. It is an act of gratitude to God for His gifts and a concrete manifestation of human solidarity.
The daily rituals of Ramadan are essential moments for practitioners. Here are some details about suhoor and iftar:
This is the meal eaten before dawn, before the start of the daily fast. This meal is crucial because it provides the energy needed to get through the day without food or drink until sunset. Suhoor meals can vary depending on cultures and traditions, but they often include foods rich in protein, fiber and good carbohydrates for lasting energy throughout the day.
This is the time to break the fast, at sunset. Muslims break the fast by consuming a few dates and water, followed by special prayers. Then they share a more substantial meal called iftar. This meal is often festive, composed of a variety of traditional dishes and can be shared with family, friends or within the community. Iftar is a time to express gratitude to God for the completed day of fasting.
These two moments, suhoor and iftar, punctuate the days during Ramadan. They represent not only moments of physical nourishment, but also moments of spiritual communion, prayer and sharing with other members of the community.
Ramadan is celebrated in similar ways across the world, but specific cultural traditions vary by region. Here are some of these traditions:
Middle Eastern countries are known for their night celebrations during Ramadan. The streets come alive after breaking the fast (iftar), with markets, entertainment, and cultural activities that often last until the early hours of the morning.
Special dishes are prepared for iftar and suhoor. Foods like "kunafa" in Jordan, "sambousek" in Egypt, or "luqaimat" in several Arab countries are common delicacies during this month.
In Asia, especially in regions like Indonesia and Malaysia, streets and houses are decorated with special lamps and lights to mark Ramadan. Markets come to life with vendors offering festive decorations.
The tradition of distributing food to the needy (known as "sadaqah" or "zakat al-fitr") is widespread in Asia. Communities organize collectionsof food for people in need.
In Africa, Ramadan is often marked by community meals called "doukhous" or "futoor" where neighbors come together to share special dishes.
Some African countries have special spiritual practices during Ramadan, such as special prayer vigils and Quran recitation sessions in mosques.
In some European regions with large Muslim populations, Ramadan is marked by the preparation of traditional local dishes combined with typical Ramadan dishes.
There are initiatives to encourage interfaith understanding and solidarity, where non-Muslim communities are invited to participate in iftars to promote unity and understanding.
These regional traditions add cultural and social richness to Ramadan, reflecting the diversity and beauty of celebrations of this holy month around the world.
During Ramadan, it is essential to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to stay in good health despite fasting.
Drink enough water during times when you can eat and drink (especially during iftar and suhoor) to avoid dehydration during the fasting day.
Opt for a nutritious suhoor including foods rich in fiber (like whole grains), proteins (eggs, dairy products, legumes), and fruits or vegetables for energy lasting throughout the day.
Limit foods high in fat, sugar and salt, as they can lead to dehydration and feelings of thirst during fasting.
When breaking the fast, start with a few dates and water to rehydrate your body. Then, eat a balanced meal including proteins (lean meats, fish), complex carbohydrates (brown rice, wholemeal bread) and vegetables to replenish nutrients.
Avoid excessively large meals, as this can cause you to feel heavy or unwell. Opt for moderate and fractional portions during the times when you can eat.
Consume foods with high water content like cucumbers, watermelons, light soups, which help maintain hydration.
Limit sugary drinks and sodas, instead opting for water, fresh fruit juices or natural smoothies.
Practice moderate physical activity during Ramadan to maintain good health, but avoid strenuous exercise during fasting hours.
If you have specific medical conditions or health concerns, consult a healthcare professional for recommendations tailored to your situation.
By following these recommendations, you can maintain a balanced diet and stay healthy while observing the fast of Ramadan.
Balancing prayer, meditation, and daily activities during Ramadan can be rewarding. Here are some suggestions to achieve this:
Make a schedule for Ramadan, allocating specific time for prayer, reading the Quran, meditation and daily activities such as work, study or family responsibilities.
Start the day with a few minutes of meditation or silent reflection after suhoor to center yourself and mentally prepare for the day of fasting.
Take advantage of slow moments of the day for short prayers, invocations, or reading the Koran. For example, during breaks at work or before resuming daily activities.
Organize social activities that incorporate spirituality, such as Quran study circles, group reading sessions, or spiritual evenings with friends or family.
Try to participate in collective prayers at the mosque as much as possible to strengthen the community and feel the collective spiritual fervor.
Identify your priorities for this month and be flexiblein your schedule to accommodate them. If possible, reduce some non-essential activities to focus on your spirituality.
Identify the times of day when you feel most energetic and concentrate your most demanding activities at that time, while reserving moments of fatigue for meditation and prayer.
At the end of the day, before iftar, take a moment to refocus, meditate or pray to strengthen your spiritual connection before breaking the fast.
By maintaining this balance between spirituality and daily activities, you will be able to live Ramadan fully and consciously, making the most of each moment to nourish your soul and fulfill your responsibilities.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is an important celebration marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr is a holiday that celebrates the end of the obligatory fast of Ramadan. It is an occasion of joy and gratitude to God for being able to complete the month of fasting.
This holiday also marks a spiritual renewal, offering believers the opportunity to cleanse themselves of sins and return to normal life after a month of intense devotion.
The Eid day begins with a special prayer, called the Eid prayer, which takes place early in the morning in mosques or in open prayer places. air. The faithful come together for this prayer as a sign of unity and celebration.
Before prayer, Muslims give "zakat al-fitr", an obligatory alms intended for the needy, thus allowing everyone to participate in the festivities.
People often dress in their finest traditional clothing for this special occasion.
Families come together to share festive and delicious meals, exchanging gifts and well wishes. Children often receive gifts or money called "eidi".
People visit their relatives, neighbors and friends to exchange wishes for peace, happiness and prosperity.
The exact date of Eid al-Fitr depends on the sighting of the moon, marking the end of the lunar month of Ramadan. It is officially announced by local religious authorities. The festival generally lasts one to three days, and its date may vary from country to country.
Eid al-Fitr is a time of rejoicing, unity and sharing where the Muslim community celebrates the end of the fast with gratitude, generosity and joy.