The beginning of the month of Ramadan depends upon the sighting of the crescent moon. In Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Pakistan, the fasting had already begun on March 23. As the masses lay their eyes on the crescent in India, fasting in India begins today.
Ramadan 2024 begins in India
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, celebrated by Muslims worldwide as the holy month of prayer, fasting, purity, and reflection. It begins with a sight of the crescent moon. It was expected to begin on March 23. With the sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday evening, the holy month begins on Friday in India. In Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the UK, UAE, and Russia among other counties, fasting had already started on Thursday.
Celebrities and world leaders wished the Muslim community, at the beginning of their holy month. Joe Biden, the President of the United States, put out the following tweet.
Likely timings for Sehri, Iftar
The beginning and ending of Ramadan vary each year as it is based on the lunar calendar and depends upon the sightings of the crescent moon. In India, as the sacred month began on Friday, March 24, it is likely to end on April 23 with the Ramzan Eid or Eid-ul-Fitar. According to Islamic Finder, the first Maghrib Prayer of the holy month will take place at 6:35 PM IST in New Delhi. (https://www.islamicfinder.org/)
What is Ramadan and how is it celebrated?
It is celebrated with grand fervor and joy in the Muslim community around the world. It is a month of prayer and reflection. Observing fast these days is considered an act of self-discipline and self-restraint. Each day begins with ‘Suhoor’ in the early morning, followed by a day-long fast, devoid of even the tiniest bit of drink or food. Around sunset, the fast is broken when there is a call for the ‘Maghrib’ Prayer in the evening, by having dates and water. Some people eat specifically three dates, in emulation of the Prophet Muhammad, who broke his roza in this manner. The day ends with ‘Iftar‘, which is a meal consisting of several delicacies.
It is regarded as one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith to observe Ramadan from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. It is a commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad, and it is believed that it was a night nearing the end of this month, that the initial verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet.
Joyous celebrations at Jama Masjid, New Delhi
After the moon was seen in its crescent glory in the capital city, masses rushed out of their homes to the Jama Masjid, celebrating the initiation of the holy month of Ramadan. The famous mosque was beautifully illuminated with lights on the eve of Thursday.
Friday Prayer at Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Muslim worshippers on Thursday, came out in huge numbers to the holiest shrine in Islam, The Kaaba to offer their Maghrib prayers to mark the end of the first day of Ramadan.
