RAMADAN is a month in the Islamic calendar where Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.
Here, we look at how you can wish a person observing the month a happy Ramadan.
How do you wish someone a 'Happy Ramadan'?
One of the most commonly used phrases to wish someone a happy Ramadan is by saying "Ramadan Mubarak" which translates to "Blessed Ramadan".
Another phrase used is "Ramadan Kareem" which translates to "Generous Ramadan".
Both terms originate from Arabic, although other countries with a high Muslim population have their own dialect in which they wish each other a happy Ramadan.
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The exact dates of the celebration change each year as it is based on cycles of the moon, known as the Hijri.
This means that the exact date of the start of Ramadan moves forward by 10 or 11 days each year as part of a 33 year cycle.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Muslims believe that it is important to fast during Ramadan in order to train themselves in the practices of self-discipline and compassion.
Instead of eating and drinking, Muslims dedicate themselves to prayer and studying the Quran.
They also refrain from using tobacco, sexual relations and sinful behaviour during the month.
They believe that this is the month where the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
Fasting during this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The Five Pillars of Islam include Muslim creed, prayer, charity to the poor, Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Ramadan in 2023 began on March 22 and comes to a close on April 21.
Ramadan can last between 29 and 30 days, beginning with the first sighting of a crescent moon and ending with the next.
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Muslims who are observing Ramadan eat before dawn with a meal known as suhur and then don't consume anything else until the sun sets.
This is when they have iftar, which is the fast breaking evening meal.