Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic/lunar calendar, and because of this, the dates of the blessed month move forward by roughly 10 days every year.
This holy month is a time for every Muslim to reflect, contemplate and celebrate, using this time of fasting to grow closer to Allah (SWT), with many choosing to recite the Qur’an from beginning to end.
Ramadan 2023 is expected to start on the evening of 22 March, depending on the moon sighting. Due to geographical differences (with the sighting of the new moon differing around the world), the Ramadan start date may be different from one location to the next – but this will only differ by a maximum of one day.
The month of fasting comes to an end when the month of Shawwal begins, which marks Eid Al-Fitr. In 2023, Ramadan is expected to end on 20 April.
Ramadan lasts for 29 to 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. If the new moon is seen on the 29th night, Eid Al-Fitr will begin the following day, and Muslims will be permitted to cease fasting during daylight hours. If the new moon is not seen, then Ramadan will go into the 30th day.
Some important dates for you to consider for Ramadan 2023 (assuming the new moon is sighted as expected) are:
*Laylat al Qadr/The Night of Power is widely believed to take place on the 27th night of Ramadan, although many believe that the night could fall on any of the odd numbers in the last 10 nights of the month. This is also regarded by many to be the best time to make your Zakat donations due to the multiplied rewards and blessings that come with donating on this night.
Zakat al Fitr, or Fitrana, is an obligatory payment that must be made during the holy month of Ramadan before the festival of Eid. This is different from Zakat, a payment calculated on a qualifying Muslim’s expendable wealth, which can be paid at any point during the year.
Zakat al Fitr is something that all Muslims are expected to pay, regardless of their age or financial situation. If anyone is unable to fulfil the payment, the head of the household is expected to make this payment on their behalf.
You can make either your Zakat al Fitr or Zakat payment with ILM, who will ensure that your donations are distributed fairly amongst those most deserving of it. Please donate this Ramadan.
