When is Ramadan 2009?

Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. In this year, Ramadan 2009 is expected to begin on or around August 22, 2009 and will finish on or around September 20, 2009. The exact dates cannot be determined in advanced and the estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location. It is celebrated by all Muslims communities throughout the world.

From ages Ramadan is believed to be an instrument in Muslims binding together in a spirit if joyous unity. Ramadan is the holiest month on the lunar calendar – a time for fasting, taming human passions, and developing compassion for those less fortunate (”O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may acquire self restraint”: Qur’an 2:183).
Ramadan Observations:

The traditional daily fasting begins at sunrise or Fajr, and ends at sunset or Maghrib. During fasting it is expected the observer gets up early in the morning at about 3:30AM and has a generous breakfast before sunrise. It is not allowed to eat or drink anything in day time till the sun is down.

Once the sun is set, Muslims open their fast. Some Muslims will gather to have Iftar parties to open their fasts together. Families come together and even extended families so this is also a great time for get together. It is customary to open your fasts with dates as this was what the Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H), Messenger of Allah, is said to have eaten to open his fast with.

The Spirit of Ramadan

Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate with the spirit of fervent joy and excitement. In the entire Islamic world spiritual profundity increases many times over. Muslims’ feelings of love, compassion, forgiveness, mutual aid and solidarity are strengthened. Muslims share the joy of Ramadan all together, by remembering Allah, giving thanks for His blessings and praying for one another. The moral virtues of Muslims affected by the spirituality of this holy month are improved yet further. To put it another way, religious observance in the month of Ramadan is inextricably bound up with the joy of faith, and spiritual unity and togetherness. Thus the spirit is joy and ease of heart that stems from performing the religious observances commanded by Allah.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam which all Muslims are expected to follow, the other four pillars of Islam are Faith (Shahadah), Prayer (Salah), Charitable Giving (Zakah), and the holy Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).

Fasting is much more than denying food or drinks. It is a time of spiritual reflection and prayer. During this month Muslims will be thinking of welfare of others who are less fortunate than themselves or in poverty. Muslims should also spend this time reflecting about their religion and what it means to them. Prayer is important during Ramadan and is used to focus a Muslims spiritual belief towards their God and pray for thanks for all that they have and pray for approval of Allah.