Ramadan is a holy month observed by the majority of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims. Along with Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated at the end of Ramadan and often involves the exchanging of Eid gifts and eating delicious sweets, and Eid al-Adha, it’s one of the most significant Muslim holidays. If you’re wondering: “When is Ramadan in 2023?” Or simply, “What is Ramadan?” And if you want to know anything else about the holy holiday, we’ve got the answers for you right here.
You may be familiar with the practice of fasting during Ramadan, which is an important spiritual practice for many Muslims. It allows Muslims to demonstrate their devotion and connect with themselves during the month of Ramadan. In addition to fasting, there are other special things people do to observe Ramadan, like “moonsighting,” praying on certain Quran verses, donating to charity, and more. And of course, there are special Ramadan greetings that are often used during this time.
Hina Khan-Mukhtar, a teacher and writer who is on the Board of Directors for the Muslim Community Center East Bay in Northern California, says that Ramadan is a joyous time.
“The Islamic centers and mosques are very full of life and full of light during that time,” Khan-Mukhtar tells Woman’s Day. “It’s as if you can imagine Christmas being celebrated every night for a month. The community comes together, people bring food to share, even children love going to the mosque at night. It’s a time of community and gathering.”
Keep reading to learn all about Ramadan.
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When is Ramadan 2023?
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which means that the beginning of each new month starts on the new moon. Ramadan 2023 takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, but because of the lunar cycle, the specific dates for Ramadan vary year to year.
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 and conclude on Friday, April 21, 2023.
What does Ramadan celebrate?
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, worship, and prayer. It celebrates the creation of the Quran, which is the holy book for people who practice the Islamic faith. Muslims believe that the prophet Muhammad received revelations directly from God, which were documented and collected in what eventually became the holy book. A passage in the Quran explains, “The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong.”
Khan-Mukhtar says that Ramadan 2023 is also celebrated as a time for a clean start.
“What I would love for people to know is that Ramadan is a time of hope and renewal and trying to have a fresh start,” she explains. “It’s really a time of rejuvenation, where it’s like, ‘I’m going to go through this month and I’m really going to turn to God, and ask for forgiveness and ask for blessings,’ and then you come out of it with a lot of hope for starting all over again on a good foot.”
Why do people fast during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims fast during daylight hours. As part of the fast, they abstain from all food and drink, as well as sexual activity. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the core beliefs and practices that define the religion.
In a piece about Ramadan written for Vox, Muslim writer Jennifer Williams explains: “The practice of fasting serves several spiritual and social purposes: to remind you of your human frailty and your dependence on God for sustenance, to show you what it feels like to be hungry and thirsty so you feel compassion for (and a duty to help) the poor and needy, and to reduce the distractions in life so you can more clearly focus on your relationship with God.”
Khan-Mukhtar also explains that while there are lots of reasons for Muslims to abstain from food and drink during Ramadan, ultimately the main reason to fast is because they are commanded to do so in the Quran.
Do all Muslims fast during Ramadan?
According to an article written by community health sciences educator Sara Elnakib for Eat Right, certain groups are exempt from fasting during Ramadan. These groups include children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, those who are physically or mentally incapable of fasting, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people who are traveling.
Besides fasting, what are some of the other ways people celebrate Ramadan?
Khan-Mukhtar says that in addition to fasting, Ramadan is also a time for reflection. “It’s a time for being really mindful about how we talk to people, what kind of language we use, what we’re absorbing, even with our eyes — like what kinds of things we’re looking at or watching. We’re seeing how it affects our heart.”
Besides fasting and being mindful, there are some other special Ramadan traditions.
Khan-Mukhtar explained that one special tradition is “moonsighting.” Since the timing of Ramadan is determined by when the new moon appears in the ninth lunar month, the spotting of that new moon is significant. “It’s often a tradition that people go out to scenic vista points to try and look for the moon, and then when the new moon is sighted, it’s super exciting,” Khan-Mukhtar says. “When it’s sighted, then you know that it is Ramadan and we get to start fasting tomorrow. It’s a good way to connect with the heavens and with nature; it’s a good way to get outside.”
In the evening, Muslims will break their fast with a date (the fruit) and water. Traditionally, people also gather at mosques and Islamic centers in the evenings for prayer and worship.
What should I do to be respectful of my Muslim friends and coworkers during Ramadan?
“A good way to support is just having a very positive mindset about Ramadan, being excited for people, and saying things like, ‘How is your Ramadan going?’” Khan-Mukhtar explains.
Keeping a positive mindset can also mean questioning your own assumptions. She says that as a parent, a misunderstanding she encounters often is that people assume the children must dislike fasting — which she says isn’t really the case. “That idea is actually completely the opposite of the truth. Fasting is seen as a right of passage. A lot of kids are very, very eager to start fasting.”
Although it’s not expected that non-Muslims fast during Ramadan, Khan-Mukhtar also says that she’s had experiences where someone decided to fast with her in solidarity. “It’s really heartwarming to see someone is wanting to experience what you’re experiencing.”
Lastly, if you’re at an event like a work party and you know you have Muslim coworkers who are fasting, it would be a thoughtful gesture to prepare a plate for them and cover it so that they can take it home and eat it when they break their fast that evening.
How to wish someone a Happy Ramadan 2023
In addition to asking someone how their Ramadan is going and taking an interest in their experience. There are other ways you can wish them a Happy Ramadan. Here are a few ideas for Ramadan greetings you can share with friends, family, coworkers and anyone else in your life.
- Enjoy the moonsighting this year!
- Have a happy Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr!
- May this year’s Ramadan leave you feeling rejuvenated and happy.
- Ramadan Mubarak!
- Have a peaceful Ramadan.
- May all your duas come true this Ramadan!
- May we enter this month of Ramadan in peace and faith.
- Wishing you love and joy in Ramadan and on Eid.
- Wishing you an Eid al-Fitr that’s as sweet as you are!
- Eid Mubarak!
- May this Ramadan bring you a fresh start.
- Wishing you an easy fast!
- Have a wonderful Ramadan and a blessed Eid.
- Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness this Ramadan.
- You light up my light like a Ramadan lantern!
- I love you to the Ramadan moon and back.
- May the light of Ramadan continue to shine in your home all year long.
- Wishing you a Ramadan filled with joy!
- Ramadan Kareem!
- Wishing you harmony and joy during this month of Ramadan.
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