When is Ramadan 2023? What to know about an Islamic holy month beginning this week
One of Islam's biggest holidays is coming up, and it's celebrated by at least 1.8 billion Muslims around the world each year.
Ramadan, a traditional Islam holy month that includes fasting, prayer and reflection, begins this week and will last into late April. It's an important time for a growing number of Muslims in Louisville and around the world – the number of people who recognize the holiday is expected to grow to about 3 billion people by 2060.
Here's a quick look at what the month is all about.
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What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a holy period in Islam, celebrated during the ninth month on the religion's calendar by fasting from food and drinks during sunlight hours, according to the Islamic Networks Group. The time is devoted to "drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate," the website said.
In addition to fasting, Muslims celebrate Ramadan by taking extra time to read the Quran and perform special prayers to foster "intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion," the network group wrote.
When is Ramadan 2023?
Ramadan in the U.S. starts on Wednesday and is celebrated through April 21, ending with Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, which means days start at sunset and means the holiday may begin on different dates in some countries.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast,” signals the end of Ramadan when Muslims celebrate with "a special prayer and sermon" in the morning, the Islamic Networks Group said. Family and friends may spend the day "socializing, eating and reuniting with old acquaintances" during community celebrations. Gifts for children are an important component of the celebration, with options including new clothes or money from their parents.
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People may say "Eid Mubarak" to greet each other, meaning "blessed holiday," the network website said. People have traditionally broken the fast with water and dates.
Contact reporter Rae Johnson at RNJohnson@gannett.com. Follow them on Twitter at @RaeJ_33.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: When is Ramadan 2023? What to know about the holy Islamic holiday
