Ramadan Mubarak
Muslims around the globe will soon begin observing the holy month of Ramadan, a period of deep spiritual reflection and fasting that takes place every year.
The festival begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which usually appears one night after a new moon. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening of February 17, and end on March 19. The celebration of Eid al-Fitr (Festival of the breaking of the fast) will likely be on March 20. The Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, and while these are the calculated expected dates of Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon sightings.
Ramadan is about more than just not eating and drinking. Ramadan marks the ninth month in the Islamic calendar when the Quran is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammed. It is a time for Muslims to contemplate on their spirituality, seek deeper personal connection with God, reflect on their blessings, celebrate with loved ones, and commit to becoming better versions of themselves through fasting, giving charity, and strengthening community. A common saying is “Ramadan is a time to starve the stomach to feed the soul.”
Salam to our Muslim Community and Ramadan Mubarak!
