Ramadan: Understanding the Holy Month of Muslims 

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Key Points

• Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the revelation of the Quran.
• It is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, charity, and community strengthening.
• Fasting (Sawm) takes place from dawn to sunset, fostering discipline and empathy.
• The timing of Ramadan changes annually as it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
• Key activities include Taraweeh prayers, community Iftar meals, paying Zakat, and reading the Quran.

Table of Contents

1. What is Ramadan and the profound meaning of the holy month?
2. The History of Ramadan
3. When does Ramadan take place?
4. Fasting during Ramadan: Rules and Practices
5. How do Muslims observe Ramadan?
6. Conclusion: The Meaning and Importance of Ramadan
7. Frequently Asked Questions

Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a special period anticipated by Muslims worldwide. It is not just a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, but also an occasion to strengthen community spirit. Recognized as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the Festival of Ramadan commemorates the time the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

This article will delve into understanding Ramadan, including:

• The history and meaning of the month of Ramadan.
• How the timing of Ramadan is determined according to the Islamic calendar.
• The rules and practices of fasting throughout the holy month.
• How the Muslim community celebrates and practices rituals during Ramadan.

Let’s explore this important holy month more deeply to better understand Islamic faith and culture.

What is Ramadan and the profound meaning of the holy month?

What is Ramadan? It is a month of profound religious significance in Islam. Throughout this month, Muslims focus on enhancing their spiritual life, practicing self-discipline, and building a deeper connection with Allah (God). It is a time for spiritual purification, self-reflection, and seeking forgiveness.

Fasting from dawn to sunset is not only a physical challenge but also an important spiritual practice. Its purpose is to foster empathy for the less fortunate, express gratitude for what one has, and practice moral self-control. By experiencing hunger and thirst, Muslims can better understand the hardships the poor face daily.

Besides fasting, what kind of day is Ramadan that the community becomes so connected? It is because this holy month also emphasizes communal worship, charity, and reading the Quran. Muslims are encouraged to perform additional prayers (like Taraweeh at night) and do more good deeds. These actions not only strengthen the individual’s relationship with God but also tighten the bonds of solidarity within the community, creating an atmosphere of sharing and mutual support. Activities like preparing Iftar (breaking the fast) meals together or donating Zakat (obligatory charity) all reflect this strong community spirit.

The History of Ramadan

The historical origins of the month of Ramadan are closely tied to major events in Islamic tradition. This month is particularly revered because it is the time when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This sacred event took place on a night called Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power), believed to fall on one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Laylat al-Qadr is considered “better than a thousand months,” and worship during this night brings immense rewards.

Fasting during Ramadan became a mandatory duty for Muslims in the year 624 CE. This was the second year after the historic migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. The Quran teaches that fasting was prescribed not only for Muslims but also for previous religious communities, creating a sense of continuity with Abrahamic traditions (like Judaism and Christianity), emphasizing a common spiritual thread.

As Islam spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula and to new lands with diverse cultures, the rituals of Ramadan were adapted to fit local contexts. However, the core practices such as fasting (Sawm), prayer (Salat), and charity (Zakat) have been consistently maintained through generations. Wherever they are in the world, Muslims share these fundamental values and rituals, demonstrating the unity of the global faith community (Ummah) throughout the month of Ramadan.

When does Ramadan take place?

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a system based entirely on the cycles of the moon (lunar calendar). The Islamic year has about 354 or 355 days, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar year (the Gregorian calendar) that we commonly use (365 or 366 days).

Due to this difference, the start date of the month of Ramadan shifts about 10 to 11 days earlier each year according to the solar calendar. This means that Ramadan gradually passes through all seasons in a cycle of about 33 years. Some years, Ramadan falls in the summer with long days and extended fasting times, while other years it falls in the winter with shorter days.

The exact start date of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal) with the naked eye. As soon as the new moon is seen after the last day of Sha’ban (the eighth month), the month of Ramadan officially begins the next day. Because moon sightings can vary depending on geographical location and weather conditions, the start date of Ramadan can differ by a day or two between countries or even different communities. Some countries and Muslim communities also rely on astronomical calculations to determine the start of the holy month.

Based on astronomical calculations, the month of Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin around March 1st and end on March 29th or 30th. The end of Ramadan will be marked by the festival of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important holidays for Muslims. In 2026, Ramadan is likely to start around mid-February. However, it should be noted that these are only estimates, and the official dates will be confirmed closer to the time based on moon sightings.

Fasting during Ramadan: Rules and Practices

Fasting (Sawm) from the break of dawn (before the Fajr prayer) until sunset (at the Maghrib prayer) is a central religious practice and a mandatory duty for most adult Muslims throughout the month of Ramadan. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, demonstrating obedience to God and empathy for the hungry and poor.

However, there are some exemptions from the obligatory fast, including:

• Children: Those who have not reached puberty.
• The elderly: Those who are too weak to endure fasting.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: If they fear fasting could harm their health or their baby’s.
• Menstruating women: They will make up the fast on other days after their period and the month of Ramadan end.
• Travelers: Those on a long journey who face hardship.
• The sick: Those with physical or mental illnesses that could be worsened by fasting.

Those with temporary exemptions (like menstruating women, the temporarily ill, travelers) are required to make up the missed fast days at another time during the year after Ramadan ends. For those who cannot fast permanently (like the frail elderly, the chronically ill), they can perform Fidyah – a form of compensation by feeding a poor person for each day they cannot fast.

A day of fasting during the month of Ramadan typically begins with a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor. This meal is very important to provide the necessary energy and nutrition for the long day of fasting ahead. After that, Muslims will abstain completely until sunset.

The end of a day’s fast is marked by the Iftar meal. Following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims often begin Iftar by eating a few dates and drinking water before having the main meal. This is an anticipated moment, often shared with family and friends. So, what is eaten during Ramadan? Suhoor often includes energy-rich, slow-digesting foods, while Iftar is a more abundant meal, sometimes starting with light dishes followed by a main course with a variety of traditional foods depending on local culture.

It is important to note that fasting in Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink. It also includes refraining from smoking, sexual relations, and most importantly, avoiding sinful behaviors such as lying, gossiping, anger, arguing, or improper speech and actions. The goal is to practice comprehensive self-control, both physically, mentally, and morally.

How do Muslims observe Ramadan?

The observance of the month of Ramadan by Muslims is a harmonious blend of personal worship rituals, vibrant community activities, and charitable acts, deeply reflecting the spirit of this sacred month. Here are the main ways Muslims experience and practice during Ramadan:

1. Daily Prayers and Taraweeh: In addition to the five daily obligatory prayers (Salat), Muslims perform special nightly prayers called Taraweeh. Taraweeh prayers are usually performed at the mosque (masjid) after the Isha prayer (the last prayer of the day). In many communities, the leader (Imam) will recite a portion of the Quran each night during Taraweeh, with the goal of completing the entire holy book by the end of the month of Ramadan. This is a time for reflection and deeper connection with the teachings of Allah.
2. Breaking the Fast (Iftar) with the Community: The moment the sun sets each day in Ramadan is the time for Iftar, the meal to break the fast. This is not just a time to eat after a long day of fasting, but also a precious occasion for family reunions, meeting friends, and strengthening neighborly bonds. Many mosques and community organizations often host public Iftars, opening their doors to everyone, including non-Muslims and especially those in need, demonstrating a spirit of hospitality and sharing.
3. Charity and Kindness (Zakat and Sadaqah): The month of Ramadan is a time when generosity and kindness are particularly emphasized. Muslims are encouraged to increase their charitable activities. Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is an obligatory charity based on a person’s accumulated wealth, often calculated and paid during this month. Additionally, Sadaqah is a voluntary form of charity, unlimited in form or amount. Besides donating money, Muslims also focus on performing acts of kindness, helping others, visiting the sick, and showing more compassion.
4. Reading and Reflecting on the Quran: Since Ramadan is the month the Quran was revealed, reading, listening to, and reflecting on its verses becomes an important part of a Muslim’s spiritual practice. Many set a goal to read the entire Quran at least once during the month of Ramadan. They spend time to gain a deeper understanding of the message, meaning, and guidance of the holy book in their daily lives.
5. Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power): The last ten nights of Ramadan are considered especially sacred, and among them is a night called Laylat al-Qadr. Although no one knows exactly which night is Laylat al-Qadr (it is often believed to fall on the odd-numbered nights: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29), Muslims will increase their worship, prayer, Quran reading, and repentance throughout these ten nights in the hope of encountering that holy night. Laylat al-Qadr is described in the Quran as being “better than a thousand months,” and all worship on this night is multiplied in reward.

These activities together create a meaningful Ramadan, which is not just about fasting but also an opportunity for spiritual purification, strengthening faith, enhancing the relationship with God, and tightening community solidarity.

Conclusion: The Meaning and Importance of Ramadan

Ramadan holds an irreplaceable central position in the faith life and religious practice of Muslims worldwide. It is a deeply spiritual month, a precious opportunity for each believer to renew their faith, strengthen community solidarity, and cultivate compassion for those around them, especially the less fortunate.

Through the practice of fasting (Sawm), increased prayer (Salat, Taraweeh), charity (Zakat, Sadaqah), reading and reflecting on the Quran, and sharing warm Iftar meals, Muslims not only commemorate the momentous historical event—the revelation of the Quran—but also strive to live by the noble teachings of the holy book. Adhering to the rituals of the Festival of Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food, drink, or other physical desires; it is a profound journey of transformation, aimed at practicing self-discipline, developing empathy, and spreading a spirit of community service.

Learning about Ramadan and its practices can help us build greater understanding and respect among people of different cultures and religions. In an increasingly diverse and connected world, acknowledging, understanding, and showing respect for those practicing their faith—such as fasting during Ramadan—is a crucial step in building bridges of empathy and mutual respect. Whether you are Muslim or not, learning about and showing interest in this holy month will enrich your understanding of the world and enhance social harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions