First Day of Ramadan Celebrated Across the Globe
Today, March 23rd 2023, marked the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for all Muslims around the world. Adherents of the religion of Islam commenced the day today with obligatory fasting from dawn to dusk, refraining from eating and drinking till sunset. This is seen as a sacred form of worship that seeks to control the desires of man and further incline him towards the Divine Lord.
Many Muslims also seek to perform acts of charity during this month, as part of the objective of Ramadan is to understand the plight of the needy and hungry. Islam’s holy book the Qur’an is also recited and reflected upon as several narrations reveal that the book was revealed during the holy month of Ramadan over 1400 years ago.
During this month, Muslims visit the mosques and pray in congregation whilst other sects conduct fruitful discussions and fun activities for children. Elderly in Yemen were photographed outside the grand mosque, reciting verses of the Qur’an together while mobs of people lined up to offer prayers in Indonesia’s Jakarta. People were also spotted gathering to catch a glimpse of the crescent moon, an indication marking the first day of fasting in Damascus, Syria. Palestinian Muslims prepare for the month by participating in cleaning rituals such as a young girl photographed cleaning the stone floor of the Dome of the Rock mosque.
Iftar, the time allocated to break the fast, typically happens during sunset. Muslims break their fast with dates; a symbolic gesture practiced by the Prophet Mohamed, and a scientifically proven instant energy booster. Some have their iftar in the solace of their homes while others come together at mosques and share their food. Mashhad, Iran, home to the 8th Shiite Imam Ridha, is also known to host one of the largest iftars in the world. A whopping 50,000 iftar packs are distributed every night at the vicinity of the shrine of Imam Ridha. A further 2500 food packs are also distributed towards the needy. This tradition dates back to over 300 years ago.
The day of Eid, a festive eve which will be celebrated by Muslims at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is expected to fall on the 23rd April 2023. On this day, Muslims will once unite and celebrate the end of the fasting days that is practiced in submission to their Lord.
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