Ramadan Starts in United States

Date: The start of Ramadan in the United States is based on the lunar Islamic calendar, which means it shifts approximately 10-12 days earlier each year. The beginning is marked by the sighting of the new moon, which leads to some variation depending on when the moon is sighted.

History: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad according to Islamic belief.

Traditions: During Ramadan, Muslims engage in fasting from dawn until dusk, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and marital relations during daylight hours.

• Suhoor: Before dawn, families wake up for suhoor, a pre-fast meal.
• Iftar: At sunset, they break their fast with iftar, often starting with dates and water/milk followed by a full meal.

Activities on This Day:

• Community Prayer (Taraweeh): After daily evening prayer (Isha), special nightly prayers called Taraweeh are held at mosques.
• Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Increased charitable activities are encouraged during Ramadan.
• Reflection and Worship: Muslims spend additional time reading the Quran and engaging in personal reflection or community worship.
• Gathering: Families and communities often gather to break their fast together.

Throughout this month, fasting serves as an act of worship and self-purification. Despite being a period of fasting, Ramadan is also a time for community bonding and sharing meals with family and friends after sunset.