You may know about Lent and Saint Patrick’s Day, but did you know many Georgians have another major religious event on their calendars?
Ramadan kicks off this weekend, a very important time in Islam. Here’s a closer look at it, why it’s important, and how it’s celebrated:
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims, according to the Islamic Network Group. It commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an, the sacred scripture of Islam. Muslims believe Allah (God) gave it to the prophet Muhammad during this month.
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When is Ramadan?
Ramadan runs March 1-29. It’s the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year of approximately 354 days. Because the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar year, each lunar month moves 11 days earlier each year. It takes 33 solar years for the lunar months to complete a full cycle and return to the same season. The month traditionally begins and ends based on the sighting of the new moon.
The end of the month is celebrated by Eid ul-Fitr, the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast,” on March 30.
How is Ramadan celebrated?
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from pre-dawn to sunset every day. Because of this, they are known to meet up early and eat a modest, breakfast-like meal called “suhur” and later in the evening at mosques for community dinners. Muslims also read and recite the entire Qur’an.
But it’s not just food and drinks. Married Muslims also abstain from sex during sunlit hours.
Ramadan serves as an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual improvement, and as a means to grow in moral excellence. The ultimate goal is greater awareness of God.
How is Eid ul-Fitr celebrated?
The end of Ramadan is a lot of fun. Children traditionally receive new clothes, money, and other gifts from parents, relatives, and friends. A special prayer and sermon are held in the morning followed by a community celebration usually in a park or large hall. Friends and family spend the day socializing, eating, and enjoying each other’s company.
How many Muslims live in Georgia?
According to the World Population Review, Georgia is home to 120,000 Muslims. Percentage wise, this is about the same amount for how many Georgians celebrate Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism.
The state with the highest Islamic population is reportedly New York.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Ramadan in 2025: Dates, Islamic meaning, how its celebrated
