Countdown to Ramadan: How Many Days Left?

Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, comes immediately after the month of Sha'ban. It holds a special significance among Muslims, differentiating itself from the other months of the Hijri year. Ramadan is known as the month of fasting, and fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and worldly desires from dawn until sunset.

The beginning of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon on the 29th day of Sha'ban. As per the saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), "Start fasting upon seeing it (the crescent moon) and break your fast upon seeing it. If it is obscured from you, then complete thirty days." In case the moon is not sighted on the 29th day of Sha'ban, Sha'ban will be counted as a full 30 days, and the following day will mark the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan. The duration of Ramadan can be either 29 or 30 days, depending on the confirmed sighting of the moon.

Upon the conclusion of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This sacred month, Ramadan, also holds a special place in Islamic heritage and history. It was during this month that the Quran was revealed from the Preserved Tablet to the heavens of this world on the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr). Subsequently, it was revealed in various intervals to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Benefits of Fasting in the Month of Ramadan:

Fasting during the month of Ramadan offers numerous benefits for the body and mind of the fasting individual. These advantages encompass physical and psychological aspects. When the fasting person follows a healthy diet, fasting can have positive effects on their health, including:

- Improving red blood cell count.
- Enhancing white blood cell count.
- Increasing platelet levels.
- Reducing blood sugar levels.
- Lowering stress and anxiety.
- Combatting inflammation and cancer-related diseases.
- Regulating blood pressure.
- Aiding in weight loss.
- Lowering cholesterol levels.
- Decreasing triglyceride levels.