Palestinian-American family observes difficult Ramadan: Video
Palestinian-American Rania Mustafa, of Clifton, and her family observe Ramadan as their thoughts are consumed with the suffering in Gaza.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of fasting, reflection, prayer and community for Muslims around the world.
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17 and end after sundown Thursday, March 19, although the exact dates may depend on sightings of the crescent moon.
Some Muslims watch for sightings of the new moon from around the world to set the date of the holiday, while others rely on astronomical data to set the date in advance. The differing methods can lead to different start dates, as happened in 2024.
When does Ramadan end in 2026?
In 2026, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, will begin at sundown Tuesday, Feb. 17 and continue through sundown Thursday, March 19. The holiday culminates with Eid al-Fitr, expected to begin the evening of March 19, pending the sighting of the new moon.
How do Muslims observe Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk each day. The fast also includes refraining from smoking and sexual relations during daylight hours. The practice is intended to deepen spiritual discipline and cultivate “taqwa,” an Arabic term meaning heightened consciousness of God.
What is Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours. The fasting is intended to teach spiritual discipline, humility and closeness to God.
It’s a deeply communal time, with Muslim families gathering for pre-dawn meals known as suhoor. Families and communities break the fast with a meal known as iftar, usually starting with dates and water, followed by a larger meal that varies by culture.
The act of giving back is highly emphasized in Islam, especially during Ramadan. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims are required to give a donation, called Zakat al-Fitr, to help the poor and needy. Muslims also practice Sadaqah, a voluntary act of charity that can include donations or acts of kindness.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims observe Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” lasting up to three days. They gather for morning prayer on the first day of Eid, then join together for celebrations that as they visit relatives, share traditional dishes and exchange gifts.
How long do Muslims fast for?
In New York and New Jersey, fasting hours will begin at about 12 hours on the first day and gradually lengthen as the month progresses.
On the first day of Ramadan, suhoor, the pre-dawn meal is expected around 5:30 a.m., and iftar, the evening meal to break the fast will be around 5:35 p.m., resulting in a fasting duration of approximately 12 hours and five minutes. By the last day, suhoor will be around 5:46 a.m., and iftar about 7:06 p.m., extending the fast to roughly 13 hours and 20 minutes.
What is the significance of Ramadan?
Muslims believe Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. In addition to fasting, many observers increase prayer, read and reflect on the Quran, and give to charity.
What is Laylat al-Qadr?
One of the most sacred nights of the month is Laylat al-Qadr, or the “Night of Power,” believed to fall during the odd-numbered nights of the final 10 of Ramadan. Worship performed on Laylat al-Qadr is considered especially meritorious, with many spending the night in prayer and reflection.
Mosques across New Jersey are expected to hold nightly Taraweeh prayers, special congregational prayers held after the evening prayer during Ramadan.
Ramadan follows a lunar calendar, so its start and end dates shift earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. The exact beginning and conclusion depend on the sighting of the crescent moon.
How many Muslims live in New Jersey?
Muslims make up a quarter of the world population, or about 1.9 billion people, according to the Pew Research Center. It’s a richly diverse faith group including people with ancestry in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The countries with the largest Muslim populations are Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria.
In the United States, Muslims make up 1.3% of the population, or about 4.5 million people, according to the 2020 US Religion Census and the Association of Religion Data Archives.
New Jersey has one of the largest Muslim populations among states — where 3.5% of the population is Muslim, or 325,000, are adherents. In recognition of this growing community, towns and cities across the state mark Ramadan with crescent lighting ceremonies, holiday displays and communal gatherings for the fast-breaking meal.
