Latest news with #Ramadans
Time of India
02-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Why 2030 will have two Ramadans: What to know and how to observe
The year 2030 presents a rare and blessed opportunity for Muslims! In 2030, Muslims around the world will experience a rare occurrence: two Ramadans within the same Gregorian year. This phenomenon, known as a "double Ramadan," is set to take place in 2030 and will not occur again until 2063. The first Ramadan is expected to begin around January 6, and the second is anticipated to begin around December 26. Why will there be two Ramadans in 2030? The Islamic calendar, or Hijri calendar, is lunar-based, consisting of 354 or 355 days, which is approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Islamic months, including Ramadan, shift earlier by about 10 days each year in the Gregorian calendar. This gradual shift causes Ramadan to fall in different seasons over time. In 2030, this drift leads to Ramadan occurring twice within the same Gregorian year: First Ramadan: Begins on January 5, 2030 (Hijri year 1451 AH) Second Ramadan: Begins on December 26, 2030 (Hijri year 1452 AH) This results in Muslims fasting for a total of approximately 36 days in 2030: 30 days during the first Ramadan and about 6 days during the second, according to Gulf News. The last time this occurred was in 1997, and after 2030, it will happen again in 2063, the media reported. Is a double Ramadan similar to a leap year? Leap years occur because Earth's orbit around the Sun takes approximately 365.2425 days, not exactly 365 days. To compensate for this extra time, an extra day (February 29th) is added to the calendar every four years, making it 366 days long. This helps keep the calendar aligned with the Earth's position in its orbit and the seasons. Leap years in the Gregorian calendar are a mechanism to adjust the calendar to match the Earth's orbit around the Sun, adding an extra day (February 29th) every four years to compensate for the slight difference in the length of a year. On the other hand, double Ramadan years occur in the Islamic calendar due to its lunar nature, where Ramadan shifts earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. How to observe two Ramadans in 2030: The spiritual significance: Experiencing two Ramadans in one year offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth. The first Ramadan falls in winter, with shorter fasting hours and cooler temperatures, making it a time for reflection and renewal. The second Ramadan occurs at the year's end, providing a chance to close the year with devotion and gratitude. This cyclical nature of Ramadan emphasizes the continuous journey of faith and self-discipline. Plan your fasting schedule wisely: Given the two separate periods of fasting, it's essential to plan your schedule accordingly. Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) should include complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to provide sustained energy. Iftar (meal to break the fast) should start with dates and water, followed by a balanced meal with lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables. Ensure that you maintain a balanced diet during Suhoor and Iftar to sustain your energy levels throughout the day. Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest are also crucial for maintaining your health during these extended fasting periods. Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor to prevent dehydration. Incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and soups into your meals. Avoid caffeinated and salty foods, as they can increase thirst during fasting hours. Maintain adequate sleep: Ensure you get sufficient rest each night, aiming for at least 7 hours of sleep. Quality sleep supports overall health and helps maintain energy levels during fasting. Engage in light physical activities: Incorporate light exercises like walking or stretching after Iftar to maintain physical health. Avoid strenuous activities during fasting hours to conserve energy. With the extended duration of Ramadan in 2030, there is ample opportunity to engage in additional acts of worship. Consider increasing your recitation of the Qur'an, performing extra prayers (Nafl), and engaging in acts of charity. This period can serve as a time to strengthen your relationship with Allah and seek forgiveness and blessings. The occurrence of two Ramadans in one year serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time in the Islamic calendar. It underscores the importance of aligning one's life with the rhythms of the lunar calendar and recognizing the transient nature of time. This awareness can inspire a deeper commitment to living a life of piety and purpose. Here's how Aamir Ali celebrated Eid
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bogus 'free electricity' claims surface in Pakistan
"Breaking news: During Ramadan electricity bill will be free in Punjab for a month," reads an Urdu-language Facebook post published on February 21, 2025 before Ramadan began. Similar posts were shared elsewhere on Facebook which prompted comments that indicate people believed the claim. "What sin have the other provinces committed?" one wrote in response while another said: "Only Punjab gets access to such things." Naeem Rauf, the energy secretary for Punjab, told AFP the local government had not announced any free electricity campaign for the month of Ramadan which began in late February and ended late March (archived link). "There was no such plan, and there are currently no plans to provide free electricity for future Ramadans," Rauf said on April 14. Social media accounts and websites of the federal and provincial energy departments did not mention power subsidies during this year's Ramadan (archived here, here, here and here). On February 24, local media reported that Energy Minister Awais Leghari guaranteed an uninterrupted supply of power for the opening and closing hours of fasts. He made no mention on "free electricity" during the holy month (archived link). An AFP journalist in Lahore, Punjab's capital city, interviewed a resident who also refuted the claims. "For the March bill, I paid 7,806 Pakistani rupees (27 dollars)," said a 27-year-old video editor who identified himself as Osama. Local media Geo TV had previously debunked similar claims (archived link).
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bogus 'free electricity' claims surface in Pakistan
"Breaking news: During Ramadan electricity bill will be free in Punjab for a month," reads an Urdu-language Facebook post published on February 21, 2025 before Ramadan began. Similar posts were shared elsewhere on Facebook which prompted comments that indicate people believed the claim. "What sin have the other provinces committed?" one wrote in response while another said: "Only Punjab gets access to such things." Naeem Rauf, the energy secretary for Punjab, told AFP the local government had not announced any free electricity campaign for the month of Ramadan which began in late February and ended late March (archived link). "There was no such plan, and there are currently no plans to provide free electricity for future Ramadans," Rauf said on April 14. Social media accounts and websites of the federal and provincial energy departments did not mention power subsidies during this year's Ramadan (archived here, here, here and here). On February 24, local media reported that Energy Minister Awais Leghari guaranteed an uninterrupted supply of power for the opening and closing hours of fasts. He made no mention on "free electricity" during the holy month (archived link). An AFP journalist in Lahore, Punjab's capital city, interviewed a resident who also refuted the claims. "For the March bill, I paid 7,806 Pakistani rupees (27 dollars)," said a 27-year-old video editor who identified himself as Osama. Local media Geo TV had previously debunked similar claims (archived link).
AFP
21-04-2025
- Politics
- AFP
Bogus 'free electricity' claims surface in Pakistan
"Breaking news: During Ramadan electricity bill will be free in Punjab for a month," reads an Urdu-language Facebook post published on February 21, 2025 before Ramadan began. Image Screenshot of the false Facebook post, captured on April 18, 2025 Similar posts were shared elsewhere on Facebook which prompted comments that indicate people believed the claim. "What sin have the other provinces committed?" one wrote in response while another said: "Only Punjab gets access to such things." Naeem Rauf, the energy secretary for Punjab, told AFP the local government had not announced any free electricity campaign for the month of Ramadan which began in late February and ended late March (archived link). "There was no such plan, and there are currently no plans to provide free electricity for future Ramadans," . Social media accounts and websites of the federal and provincial energy departments did not mention power subsidies during this year's Ramadan (archived here, here, here and here). On February 24, local media reported that Energy Minister Awais Leghari guaranteed an uninterrupted supply of power for the opening and closing hours of fasts. He made no mention on "free electricity" during the holy month (archived link). An AFP journalist in Lahore, Punjab's capital city, interviewed a resident who also refuted the claims. "For the March bill, I paid ( ," said a 27-year-old video editor who identified himself as Osama. Local media Geo TV had previously debunked similar claims (archived link).
Daily Tribune
14-03-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Al Baha's Heritage Homes Keep Ramadan Traditions Alive
The sacred month of Ramadan in Al Aqiq Governorate, Al Baha, is marked by a deep sense of community and heritage, as families come together in historic homes to break their fasts in an atmosphere steeped in tradition. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), these heritage homes, emblematic of Al Baha's rich cultural identity, serve as gathering spaces where residents uphold the age-old customs of Ramadan. As families and friends sit around iftar tables in these centuries-old structures, they share stories and meals, creating a nostalgic connection to the past while reinforcing the bonds of community and kinship. More than just a meal, the iftar gatherings in these traditional homes represent a cherished ritual, where residents exchange memories of Ramadans past and partake in regional delicacies passed down through generations. The communal nature of these gatherings fosters a strong sense of belonging, ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan remains vibrant in the region. Awadah Al Ghamdi, a local resident speaking to SPA, shared that his family has observed Ramadan in their ancestral home for the past three years. Built in 1386 AH, the house has been a central venue for family reunions during the holy month. He recalled childhood memories of preparing iftar in the courtyard, where a fire would be lit before the Maghrib call to prayer to cook traditional foods such as fresh bread, aromatic coffee, and marisa—a refreshing blend of water and dates infused with lemon or ginger. He emphasized that iftar is a communal affair, often shared with neighbors, further strengthening social ties. The revival of these traditions in Al Baha's heritage homes is a testament to the region's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy. Each Ramadan, these historic gatherings serve as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the authentic customs of the past continue to thrive and be passed on to future generations.
