Ramadan, also spelled as Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, or Ramathan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The month of Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic year, it marks the time when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims around the world mark the occasion by fasting during daylight hours. It holds immense importance for Muslims worldwide and is observed as a period of fasting (sawm), prayer (salah), reflection, and community.
Ramadan is due to start on Monday, March 11 and for Muslims across the globe, the coming month is a sacred time for worship and fasting. Lasting 29 to 30 days, this period offers Muslims an opportunity for devotion, reflection and self-improvement.
Here are some key points about its significance
First Revelation: Ramadan commemorates Muhammad’s first revelation of the Quran. It marks the beginning of his prophethood and the divine guidance received from Allah.
Five Pillars of Islam: The annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars represent the fundamental acts of worship and devotion for Muslims.
Fasting Obligation: During Ramadan, adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, traveling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, pregnant, or menstruating are obliged to fast from dawn (suhur) until sunset (iftar). This fasting includes abstaining from food, drink, tobacco products, sexual relations, and sinful behavior.
Spiritual Rewards: The spiritual rewards (thawab) of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan. Muslims devote themselves to prayer, study of the Quran, and self-discipline.
Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr): One of the most significant nights during Ramadan is the Night of Power, believed to be when the Quran was revealed to Muhammad. It is a time for intense worship and seeking forgiveness.
Community Bonding: Ramadan fosters a sense of community. Muslims come together for communal iftar meals (breaking the fast) and special nightly prayers (Tarawih).
The East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre is pleased to announce that the first Tarawih prayers will be on the evening of Sunday, 10 March
Tarawih Imams @ELM
The following Imams will be leading Tarawih prayers at the Mosque:
Shaykh Hazem Saif (Egypt)
Shaykh Mu‘taz Al Ghannam (Egypt)
Shaykh Abdurrahman Atturki (UK)
Shaykh Syed Anisul Haque (UK)
Ramadan Timetable 2024 London
The timings for the following Ramadan Timetable for 2024 has been sourced from East London Mosque and is applicable for London. Timetables for other cities can be found here.
Please note: the prayer times listed are start times however jamaat times may be different.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting, abstaining from food and drink from dawn till dusk. The process of breaking the fast is significant and follows specific guidelines:
Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): Suhoor refers to the meal eaten before dawn to begin the fast. It is the last thing one consumes before fasting for the day. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) emphasized the importance of having suhoor, stating: “Take suhoor, for there is blessing in it.” One can continue eating until the break of dawn, which coincides with the Fajr prayer (the prayer right before dawn).
Iftar (Breaking the Fast): Iftar refers to the meal that breaks the fast after sunset.
The exact time for breaking the fast is when the sun sets, which aligns with the Maghrib prayer (the prayer offered right after sunset). Traditionally, Muslims break their fast by eating dates and drinking water or milk. The Holy Prophet (sa) would not delay opening the fast once it was time12.
Spiritual Significance: Iftar is not just about satisfying hunger; it symbolizes gratitude, community, and spiritual renewal. Muslims often share iftar with family and friends, creating a sense of unity and joy.
Recommended Foods: Traditionally, Muslims break their fast with dates and water, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (sa). After this, a larger meal is consumed, including a variety of dishes.
Remember that the act of fasting during Ramadan goes beyond mere physical abstinence; it is a time for self-reflection, devotion, and drawing closer to God. The suhoor and iftar meals play a crucial role in this spiritual journey.
Happy Ramadan to all 🙂 keep us in your prayers!
