The month of Ramadan and the holiday of Eid al-Adha: history and traditions

Ramadan is a holy month for all Muslims, when strict fasting is required. The end of Ramadan and fasting is marked by one of the two main Muslim holidays – Eid al-Adha.

Start and end

The Muslim calendar depends on the phases of the moon, so the beginning of Ramadan (the ninth month) falls on a different day each year. In addition, in some Muslim countries the first day of fasting is determined by astronomical calculations, and in others by observation of the Moon or the testimony of theologians, so the start dates of the holy month may also differ in different countries.

In Russia in 2024, Ramadan began on March 10 at sunset. The fast lasts from March 11 to April 9. At sunset on the night of April 10, believers celebrate the holiday of breaking the fast – Eid al-Adha. The holiday lasts from one to three days, and if it falls at the beginning or middle of the week, the festivities can last until the weekend.

Origins and essence

Muslims believe that in 610, in the month of Ramadan, the first verses of the holy book of Muslims, the Koran, were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, when the prophet was in spiritual solitude in the Hira cave, located in the vicinity of Mecca.

Fasting Ramadan is one of the five “pillars of Islam” for every Muslim. The other four include namaz (five times daily prayer), shahada (testimony of faith in one God – Allah), hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) and zakat (annual tax to help those in need).

This fast is considered one of the strictest among all religions (the Arabic word “saum”, that is, fasting, means “complete abstinence”). It is prescribed to strengthen Muslims in self-discipline and faithful fulfillment of Allah’s commandments. Deliberately breaking the fast is considered a sin. According to Muslim theologians, during the days of Ramadan, Allah rewards the believer for every good deed he does.

Do’s and Don’ts

During the fasting period, during the day it is forbidden to drink, eat, smoke incense, or indulge in pleasures and entertainment. Eating and drinking are allowed only before sunrise and after sunset.

At the same time, during the day you are allowed to brush your teeth without swallowing water, swallow saliva, kiss, donate blood, give injections and vaccinations, swim, while making sure that water does not get into your mouth.

Daytime should be devoted to work, prayer, reading the Qur’an, pious thoughts and actions, and charity. In addition to the usual five prayers, an additional prayer is performed every night.

During the holy month in Muslim countries, business activity noticeably decreases, the working day is shortened, and life shifts to the evening and night time.

The last ten days of Ramadan are the holiest, and Muslims are even more diligent in their acts of spiritual worship. At this time, many men commit itikaf (spiritual retreat) and try to visit the mosque as often as possible. The most important of the last ten nights is considered to be the night on the 27th of the month of Ramadan (from April 5 to 6 this year) – “Laylat al-qadr” (“night of power”, or “night of predestination”).

Fasting must be observed by adults, capable and physically healthy people who can abstain from food and water for a long time. Pregnant and lactating women, women during menstruation, as well as people suffering from any diseases are exempt from fasting. Elderly people can fast at their own discretion.

Traditions of Eid al-Adha

In 2024, on the night of April 9-10, Eid al-Adha will begin, which marks the end of strict fasting. On this day, all restrictions that were introduced during the fast are lifted. The tradition of celebrating the day of breaking the fast dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, in 624. According to legend, it was he who established Eid al-Adha. The holiday has spread along with the Muslim religion since the times of the Arab Caliphate. In all Muslim countries it is considered a day off.

A few days before the holiday, Muslims clean their houses, buy new interior items, and some even update furniture. During Eid al-Fitr, believers traditionally congratulate each other on the end of fasting, give alms (money or food), and also prepare festive dishes, excluding foods and alcohol prohibited in Islam. In addition, gifts are a mandatory attribute of the holiday: the Koran, religious objects, dishes, home decor or sweets. It is customary to gather with a large circle of relatives, neighbors and friends for the holiday.

During Eid al-Adha, you cannot do heavy physical labor or household chores other than cooking. You should also not quarrel, entertain bad thoughts or slander.