How do you say Happy Ramadan? Wishes and greetings explained, what does Ramadan Kareem mean, and date in 2022

Ramadan is one of the biggest events in the religious calendar, with more than 2 billion muslims worldwide.

This year, festivities are expected to kick off on the first weekend in April.

While those celebrating will be preparing to fast, it also gives an opportunity to send the best wishes to those during the holy month.

Here are some of the best ways to say Happy Ramadan to those celebrating.

How do I wish someone a happy Ramadan?

There are two main greetings used to send well-wishes to those observing Ramadan.

These are ‘Ramadan Kareem’ and ‘Ramadan Mubarak’.

You may see variations of both of these with other translations, including Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan or Ramathan.

Ramadan Kareem

The direct translation for ‘Ramadan Kareem’ is “have a generous Ramadan”.

However, it can also mean “may Allah give you all the prosperity and success” or “May Allah bless you with wealth and happiness and give you a healthy life”.

This means that you are wishing someone best as they prepare to fast for one month.

In response to ‘Ramadan Kareem’, ‘Allah Akram’ can be said.

This means “God is more generous”.

Ramadan Mubarak

Ramadan Mubarak is the most well-known phrase to those outside of Islam, and can be used as a general ‘happy Ramadan’ greeting.

The direct translation is ‘blessed Ramadan’, or can also be used to say “may this Ramadan clear your understanding and judgement between right and wrong”.

Sentiments behind this statement are more spiritual, wishing someone that a prosperous holy month allows them to choose good over evil.

It is often used by muslims to greet family and friends who are observing the holy month.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holy month observed by muslims in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

This is a reference to when the Qur’an - the Islamic holy text - was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

The start of Ramadan marks the beginning of a period of fasting for muslims who observe the holiday.

Fasting takes place from sunrise to sunset - meaning the daily fast lasts longer as the month goes on and nears summer - and lasts for around 29-30 days.

The spiritual side of the holiday is also important, with an emphasis on prayer.

The fasting period each day begins with the Fajr prayer and ends with Maghrib prayer.

Some muslims may also try and read the entire Qur’an during the month.

The end of Ramadan is marked with Eid-al-Fitr (meaning ‘breaking of the fast’).

What date is Ramadan 2022?

Ramadan does not fall on the same date every year as it depends on the cycles of the moon.

The first night of Ramadan is observed when the first crescent moon appears.

Saudi Arabia confirmed that the crescent moon had been sighted on Friday 1 April, meaning that Ramadan will commence in the early hours of Saturday 2 April.