It's kind of like the Muslim version of Christmas, in the sense that it's a religious holiday where everyone comes together for big meals with family and friends, exchanges presents, and generally has a lovely time. At the end of Ramadan there’s a big three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. It's a time of celebration and joy, to be spent with loved ones. It is meant to be a time of spiritual discipline - of deep contemplation of one's relationship with God, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the Quran.īut if that makes it sound super serious and boring, it's really not. Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, Islam's sacred text, to Mohammed, on a night known as "The Night of Power" (or Laylat al-Qadr in Arabic).ĭuring the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims - the Prophet Mohammed reportedly said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained." Which means there's a good chance you - or a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, your child's teacher - will be celebrating, fasting, and doing all sorts of other activities that are unique to the holy month.īut what is Ramadan, exactly? What’s the deal with fasting? And is there anything special you should do or say when you’re around Muslim friends and acquaintances during Ramadan?ĭon’t worry, we've got you covered: Here are the most basic answers to the most basic questions about Ramadan. About Lailat al-Qadr in Other CountriesRead more about Lailat al-Qadr.Ramadan is the Muslim holy month, and most of the world's estimated 1.9 billion Muslims will observe it in some form. Of the odd nights, the night of the 27th (which is the night before the 27th of Ramadan, as the Islamic day starts with nightfall) is most likely, according to many Muslim scholars. There is a difference of opinion about the date for Laylat al-Qadr but, in general, it is agreed that it is most likely to be in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, with the odd nights being more likely. This day is also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny. These revelations continued throughout the remainder of his life, according to Islamic belief.Ĭhildren begin studying the Koran from an early age and they celebrate the moment when they have read all the chapters for the first time. The angel Gabriel first spoke to the prophet during that time, which marked the beginning of Muhammed’s mission. Laylat al Qadr commemorates the night in 610 CE when Allah revealed the Koran (Islamic holy book) to the prophet Muhammad. However, many Islamic organizations and businesses may alter their opening hours and there may be some congestion around mosques, particularly in the evening and at night. Laylat al-Qadr is not a federal public holiday in the United States. Many people assemble at mosques during the Isha’ prayer, with many prayers being made until midnight. ![]() It is believed that a Muslim’s past sins are forgiven if the person prays throughout this night. This "Night of Power" is considered the most appropriate time of the entire year to pray for salvation and blessings. Therefore, many Muslims pray in the night to God for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. It is also believed that this night marks their fate in the following year. Laylat al Qadr marks the time when the Koran’s first verses were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammed. Muslims in the United States celebrate the event, also spelled as Laylat al-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, on one of the last 10 days of the Islamic month of Ramadan.Īlthough Lailat al-Qadr is not a public holiday, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Emancipation Day in 2023, which is a public holiday in District of Columbia.Ĭhildren study the Koran on Laylat al-Qadr. It commemorates when Koran (Qur’an) was revealed to the prophet Muhammad (also known as Mohammad). Laylat al Qadr is also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny. Business Date to Date (exclude holidays).
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