As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims all around the world are preparing themselves mentally, spiritually and physically to welcome this blessed month. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is no exception, with its Muslim population eagerly anticipating the arrival of Ramadan 2023.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is believed to be the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). During this month, Muslims observe fast from dawn till dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs, with the intention of getting closer to Allah and seeking forgiveness for their sins. It is also a month of charity, with Muslims being encouraged to give to the less fortunate and to perform good deeds.
The exact start date of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon, and it varies every year. However, in the UAE, it is tradition to rely on astronomical calculations to determine the start of the month, as it allows for better planning and preparation.
According to the UAE’s moon sighting committee, the most likely start date for Ramadan 2023 will be on April 3rd, which corresponds to the beginning of the Islamic month of Sha’ban. This date is subject to change depending on the sighting of the new moon.
As the holy month draws closer, Muslims in the UAE will begin to adjust their routines and schedules to accommodate the fasting and prayers that are a central part of Ramadan. Many businesses and offices also change their working hours during this period, with shorter working days and extended prayer breaks.
In addition to fasting and prayers, Ramadan is also a time of community and togetherness. Muslims in the UAE gather to break their fast together at iftar, and many mosques hold special nightly prayers known as taraweeh. Families and friends also come together for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before the start of the fast.
During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to focus on their relationship with Allah, through increased prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran. The month is also an opportunity for self-reflection and self-improvement, as well as a chance to show compassion and empathy towards others. It is a time to give to charity, to show kindness to neighbors and to connect with family and friends.
Ramadan is a month of heightened spirituality and devotion, with Muslims striving to become better versions of themselves. It is a time for sincere repentance, patience, and gratitude towards Allah for all the blessings bestowed upon them. In the UAE, Ramadan is a time for celebration and cultural significance, with various traditional foods, decorations and cultural events being celebrated across the country.
As Muslims in the UAE prepare for Ramadan 2023, they are reminded of the importance of sincerity, patience, and gratitude during this blessed month. It is a time for reflection and self-improvement, as well as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Allah and their fellow human beings. The month of Ramadan is a time for unity, compassion and solidarity among Muslims, and it serves as a reminder of the shared values that unite the Islamic community.
