Understanding Ramadan

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan, (also spelt Ramazan, Ramzan, or Ramadhan), is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The fasts, abstinence from all food and drink, begin each day at dawn and last until sunset. Muslims often arrange special meals and gatherings to break their fasts in congregation. Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts 29 to 30 days, depending on the length of the lunar month.  

What do Muslims do in Ramadan?

 Apart from fasting from dawn to dusk, there is emphasis on reciting the Quran and extra night prayers known as Taraweeh, which are often held in congregation. It is a time of heightened spirituality, of contemplation and of trying to live the best version of oneself, with a particular emphasis on being charitable. The last 10 nights of Ramadan are held in extra reverence and many people dedicate the whole of this time to extra prayers by at times sleeping in mosques. 

What is Suhoor?

Suhoor, (also spelt Sahūr, or Suhūr and sometimes called Sehri) is the pre-dawn meal taken by Muslims before fasting. The meal is eaten before the first prayer of the day, the fajr prayer. 

What is Iftar?

Iftar, is the evening meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast. The meal is eaten before the maghrib prayer, which takes place at sunset. 

What is Eid?

Eid means feast or festival. There are two Eids. The first Eid in the Islamic calendar is Eid Al-fitr and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide marking the completion of Ramadan; a month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Eid al-Fitr prayers are held after sunrise and the day is spent visiting family and friends. The second Eid in the Islamic calendar is called Eid Al-adha and takes place after the Hajj pilgrimage, which is in the twelfth Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.