Ramadan 2023 LIVE Updates: Muslims in Saudi Arabia gear up to ...

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is approaching. It is a time for Muslims to reflect, pray and fast, and let go of worldly pleasures. They wake up early for Suhoor and then abstain from food and drink until sunset. Iftar, a meal that includes a variety of delicacies, is eaten after breaking the fast with dates and water. Ramadan is a time for community, with friends and family coming together to observe the fast. It is a significant month for Muslims around the world, marked by hope and spiritual growth.

This year, Ramadan in India is expected to begin on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, after the sighting of the moon over Mecca. Ramadan will end on Friday, April 21, 2023, and Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22, 2023. However, the dates for each country may vary.

21 Mar 2023, 08:37:11 PM IST

During the holy month of Ramadan, the Sharjah municipality has announced that paid parking hours will be from 8am to midnight, Saturday through Thursday. However, parking will be free on Fridays, except in zones with blue information signs where parking will remain a paid service every day of the week.

21 Mar 2023, 08:27:14 PM IST

Qatar has announced that during Ramadan, civil employees will have a shorter workday of 5 hours from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, with late attendance allowed up to 10:00 am. Meanwhile, the government of Umm Al Quwain has declared that all local government agencies in the emirate will have a three-day weekend during Ramadan, with employees off from Friday to Sunday. These policies differ between the two locations, with Qatar opting for shorter daily work hours while Umm Al Quwain allows for a longer weekend break.

21 Mar 2023, 08:01:51 PM IST

Saudi Moon observers gear up to sight the Ramadan 2023 crescent moon at the Hotat Sudair observatory

21 Mar 2023, 07:59:09 PM IST

Ramadan is a significant month for Muslims worldwide, where they abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset as an act of devotion towards Allah. During this time, Muslims also avoid indulging in worldly pleasures and focus on prayer and reflection. 

They begin their day with Suhoor or Sehri, a pre-dawn meal that typically includes dates, fruits, and other light foods. The fast is then broken at sunset with dates and water, followed by Iftar, the evening meal which includes a variety of traditional delicacies such as kebabs, biryani, and desserts like kheer and sheer khurma. 

Muslims also tend to spend more time with their family and friends during this month, sharing meals and engaging in charitable activities. The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, where Muslims come together to pray, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals.

21 Mar 2023, 07:51:43 PM IST

Ramadan is a holy month in Islam that commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered a crucial part of a Muslim's faith, and fasting during this month is a mandatory requirement for all healthy and able Muslims. 

Beyond the physical act of abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and growth. Muslims believe that by denying themselves worldly pleasures during the day, they can connect with their spirituality and become closer to Allah. This period is also marked by increased prayer, charity, and community involvement.

21 Mar 2023, 07:41:52 PM IST

The crescent moon holds great religious significance in Islam, particularly in relation to the observance of Ramadan. Muslims traditionally rely on the sighting of the crescent moon to determine the start and end of the month of Ramadan. 

Prior to Ramadan's beginning, the night sky is closely monitored by people and religious authorities to locate the crescent moon. The month of Shaaban precedes Ramadan, and the month of Ramadan begins at sunset on the 29th day of Shaaban when the moon sighting traditions are followed.

21 Mar 2023, 07:33:30 PM IST

To spot the crescent moon, it must set after the sun, creating a dark enough sky. After the sun sets, moon sighters face west, with a clear view of the horizon to look for the new moon.

In Saudi Arabia, testimonies of moon sightings are recorded, and the Judicial High Court decides when Ramadan starts based on these reports.

21 Mar 2023, 07:27:15 PM IST

Ramadan is a time of fasting and reflection for Muslims around the world. For diabetic patients, taking care of their health during this period is particularly important. Here are some tips to help manage diabetes during Ramadan.

Firstly, it's essential to get enough sleep to maintain overall wellness. Waking up an hour earlier to have a proper pre-dawn meal can help you carry through the day and avoid feeling tired. Hydration is also vital, and it's important to drink enough water before and after fasting to prevent dehydration. Caffeinated drinks should be avoided as they can lead to mineral and salt loss.

Probiotics, such as yogurt, can help soothe the stomach and prevent acidity during fasting. It's also recommended to open your fast with a sugar-free hydrating drink and then move on to eating in moderation. Avoiding salty, spicy, and sugary foods can help regulate fluid balance in the body.

Monitoring blood sugar levels is critical, and those on medication or insulin should consult with their doctor before fasting. People with co-morbidities such as kidney diseases, heart ailments, high blood pressure, and uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes are at high risk and should also consult their doctor before fasting.

21 Mar 2023, 07:16:14 PM IST

Ramadan is a time of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world. Fasting during this time involves abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. It is important to remember to stay hydrated during this time by drinking lots of water and consuming fruits and vegetables with high water content.

To ensure the body is energized and ready for the long hours of fasting, it is important to have a nutritious suhur meal right before sunrise. This meal should consist of vegetables, a serving of carbohydrates, and protein-rich food to give the body the energy it needs to make it through the day.

During iftar, it is recommended to avoid consuming large amounts of sweets and food items rich in fat. It is also advised to limit the consumption of fried food items to keep the body healthy throughout Ramadan.

To help keep the body hydrated, it is important to stay in a cool and shaded place during the fasting hours. This will help prevent dehydration and ensure that the body is able to function properly.

21 Mar 2023, 07:02:25 PM IST

Ramadan is a significant month in the Islamic calendar, and its observance depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. In 2023, if the crescent moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Muslim-majority countries on the evening of March 21, which is the 29th day of Sha’ban 1444 Hijri, Ramadan may begin from March 22. However, if the moon is not sighted on March 21 after Salat al Maghrib, the moon sighting committee in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will announce on Tuesday evening that the first day of Ramadan may be on March 23, Thursday.

For countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa, Indonesia, and Malaysia, it is likely that the Ramadan moon will be sighted on March 22, and the first fasting day of Ramadan for them will be March 23. However, if the moon is not sighted on March 22, then the first day of fasting will begin from March 24 in India and other South Asian countries.

21 Mar 2023, 06:18:42 PM IST

Ramadan, also known as Ramazan or Ramzan or Ramzaan, may begin in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries a day later i.e. from the evening of March 23 or 24

21 Mar 2023, 05:47:17 PM IST

As per reports, the crescent moon is likely to be seen tomorrow, 22 March,  from India

21 Mar 2023, 05:35:48 PM IST

Here are the timings of 'sehri' and 'iftaar' as per the cities in India:

Mumbai- 05:33 am to 06:49 pm

Delhi- 05:11 am to 06:32 pm

Chennai- 05:05 am to 06:20 pm

Hyderabad- 05:11 am to 06:29 pm

Bangalore-05:16 am to 06:34 pm

Ahmedabad- 05:33 am to 06:50 pm

Kolkata- 04:30 am to 05:47 pm

Pune- 05:29 am to 06:48 pm

Jaipur- 05:18 am to 06:39 pm

Lucknow- 04:57 am to 06:17 pm

Kanpur- 05:00 am to 06:20 pm

Indore- 05:20 am to 06:40 pm

Patna- 04:41 am to 06:00 pm

Chandigarh- 05:11 am to 06:35 pm

21 Mar 2023, 05:32:28 PM IST

Ramadan begins: March 22, Wednesday

Ramadan ends: April 21, Friday

Laylat al-Qadr: April 17, Monday

Eid al-Fitr Start: April 22, Saturday

21 Mar 2023, 04:53:16 PM IST

In Saudi Arabia, people have been called to spot the crescent moon. Apart from that, the UK and Australia also expected to site the moon

21 Mar 2023, 04:26:09 PM IST

Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims, and fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During this time, individuals abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. WHO cited, it's important to avoid consuming sweets during this period, as they are high in sugar and can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels. Instead, opt for fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet.

21 Mar 2023, 04:13:43 PM IST

Ramadan expected date in UAE, Dubai, Pakistan and other countries:

Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan is expected to begin on March 23, followed by Eid-ul-Fitr on April 21.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Ramadan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will begin on March 23.

Pakistan: In Pakistan, Ramadan will be observed on March 22.

Indonesia: In Indonesia, Ramadan will begin on March 22, 2023, and Eid-ul-Fitr on April 21, 2023.

Kuwait: In Kuwait, Ramadan is expected to start on March 23, 2023, followed by the Eid-ul-Fitr on April 21, 2023.

Lebanon: In Lebanon, Ramadan will start on March 23, and Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on April 21.

Maldives: Ramadan will begin on March 23 in the Maldives. Eid-ul-Fitr will fall on April 21.

Morocco: Ramadan is expected to begin on March 23 in Morocco, followed by Eid-ul-Fitr on April 21.

Qatar: In Qatar, Ramadan starts on March 23.

South Africa: Ramadan is expected to begin on March 22 in South Africa.

Turkey: In Turkey, March 23 is the expected date for Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr will fall on April 21.

21 Mar 2023, 04:03:04 PM IST

This year, Ramadan in India is expected to begin on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, after the sighting of the moon over Mecca