Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic hijri calendar. It was during the month of Ramadan that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in the cave of Hira in Mecca. Muslims all over the world, observe this month by fasting, praying, giving charity, reciting the Holy Quran and abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk with the intention of doing so as an act of worship. 

Ramadan is the most keenly awaited month in the Muslim calendar. It is a time of reflection, introspection and seeking forgiveness from Allah. It is the month of abstaining from physical desires, reaching for 'taqwa' and attaining piety. It is also a time of greater sense of community spirit, and of giving to the poor. Every Muslim man, woman and child enjoys this special month for all its excitement and benedictions. A feeling of joyousness, peace and goodwill prevails throughout the month as Muslims of the world reinvigorate their faith and link with Allah.

How to observe Ramadan

How to prepare yourself for Ramadan

The significance of eating dates during Ramadan

Short stories: The spirit of Ramadan

Ramadan terms explained

• Sawm: "Sawm" or fasting means abstention from food, drink and physical relationships from dawn to sunset with intention of seeking Allah's pleasure.
• Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal Muslims eat before declaring the intention of fasting. Once suhoor is eaten, Muslims who fast cannot eat or drink till sunset.
• Iftaar: The evening meal with which Muslims break the fast.
• Taraweeh: The special Ramadan prayers which begin after the Ish'a prayer every night. The whole Quran is recited in these prayers over the period of this month.
• Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of the Decree commemorates the first revelation of the Qur'an upon Prophet Muhammad in 610 AD in cave of Hira. This observance takes place during the last ten days of Ramadan.
• Jum'at al-Wada':  The last Friday of the month of Ramadan. Deeds of charity and worship are considered especially meritorious this day.
• Itikaf: Devout Muslims seclude themselves in mosques for purpose of intense worship, leaving only when necessary. This is also done in last 10 days of Ramadan.
• Zakaat al-Fitr: Charity given at the end of the fasting in Ramadan to provide the poor with means with which they can celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr with rest of the Muslims.