What is Ramadan and why did the Mayor of London turn on special lights to commemorate it?

It was last week when the mayor of London Sadiq Khan, led the official switching on of lights to commemorate the Ramadan in the British city .

This happened near the Piccadilly Circus area and refers to the holy month celebrated by Muslims from everyone.

After activating the street lights, The mayor shared a video on his X account (ex-Twitter).

“This holy month is special for Muslims, because This gives us the opportunity to reconnect with our faith and spend more time in the company of our families and communities. “, explained Khan.

Then, he stressed that what he appreciates most about Ramadan is “the opportunity it offers to share bread with people of different beliefs and origins “.

“And I look forward to sharing food and conversation with other Londoners at Iftars happening across the city over the next month.” added the mayor.

This is the month in which Muslims celebrate that the Prophet Muhammad received the first of the revelations that make up the Koran the sacred text of Islam.

In this sense, the followers of the said religion They commemorate it in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, while its beginning is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon. like saved National geographic .

For 2024 in particular, Ramadan is expected to end after sunset on April 10. with the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr.

While it lasts, Believers fast and abstain from sex from dawn to dusk .

However, Although the first point is essential for Muslims, it cannot be followed by people who are sick, pregnant, elderly or menstruating. .

In this direction, these fasting days can be recovered later throughout the year.

Once the end of Ramadan is marked by the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, They gather in open spaces or in mosques to say special prayers .

With, Then they tend to have breakfast together at what is called Iftar, which will be their first meal of the day over a period of a month. .

In the same way, They usually give each other gifts, give alms and express respect. to deceased loved ones.

Regarding Islam itself, These are its five fundamental pillars :

• Sawm: Fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan.
• Shahadah: Believing that there is no deity other than God and the Prophet Muhammad, his messenger.
• Zakat: Donate to charity.
• Salah: Pray five times a day.
• Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your life, if possible.

After turning on the lights to commemorate the month, Mayor Sadiq Khan also wrote on his social media: “This Ramadan, it has never been more important for all of us to extend the hand of friendship and build bridges that unite us, rather than walls that divide us.” .