Ramadan Starts in Russia

Day:

• The start of Ramadan in Russia, as in other countries, is based on the lunar Islamic calendar and begins with the sighting of the new moon.
• The exact day varies each year due to the lunar cycle.

History:

• Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
• It commemorates the month during which Prophet Muhammad received the initial revelations of what would become the Quran.
• Fasting during this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, observed by Muslims worldwide.

Traditions:

• Fasting (Sawm): From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations.
• Suhur: The pre-dawn meal consumed before fasting begins each day.
• Iftar: The meal after sunset where the fast is broken, often starting with dates and water or milk.
• Taraweeh Prayers: Special nightly prayers performed after Isha prayer during Ramadan.

What People Do:

• Muslims engage in increased prayer and recitation of the Quran.
• Acts of charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) are encouraged more during Ramadan.
• Many attend mosques for nightly prayers while others may pray at home.
• Families and communities often come together to break their fasts with iftar meals.

In Russia, where Islam is one of the major religions, these traditions are observed by Muslim communities across the country. With its diverse population, regional variations in celebrating Ramadan can be seen.