As many may know the holy month of Ramadan begins on either the night of the 14th or 15th of April 2021 or (depending on the sighting of the moon). Here are a few common questions that are asked about Ramadan:

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month where Muslims around the world fast from just before sunrise to sunset for 29-30 days (also depending on the sighting of the moon). It is the month where the Quran (Holy Book)  was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) in around 610 CE.

Ramadan is a spiritual experience, rooted in connecting with Allah (God), humbling ourselves and resetting our focus. It is about being grateful with what we have in this Dunya (world) and for not taking things for granted. Different cultures have different traditions during Ramadan, some have special meals/food they cook for either suhoor or iftar.

When do Muslims fast?

Muslims fast for a duration of 29-30 days from sunrise to sunset. They do not eat or drink during sunlight hours. You may be asking if they don’t eat during the day, when do they eat? Muslims wake up early in the morning before Fajr prayer and have suhoor; an Islamic term meaning pre-dawn meal. Muslims then break their fast at the call to prayer for Maghrib the prayer, in Ramadan, this is known as iftar. When it’s time to break fast, it is done with a date. After a long day of not eating, dates help the body’s blood glucose levels to return back to normal as well as giving a natural energy boost.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. In the Quran, there is a verse that prescribes fasting for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to do so for a full day. Muslims fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to god, and also a way to become more compassionate to those in need. It is also seen as a way to learn patience and break bad habits.

The significance of Ramadan

During this month, reading of the Quran and charity is highly encouraged. It is the month where you can right your wrongs. The significance of the month is so large that you will see no divide between the poor and the rich, in fact, the rich are encouraged to give to the poor whether it be through charity or hosting iftars at their local mosques. Night prayers known as Tarawih are also held at mosques during Ramadan

On the 27th day of Ramadan, Muslims observe Laylat-al-Qadr (the night of power).
Read more about Laylat-al-Qadr here.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below and please do correct me if I have said anything incorrectly.

“Ramadan is about breaking bad habits, not putting them on pause”