Islam Wiki
Register
Advertisement

Ramadan (on Arabic written: رمضان) is the ninth month of the twelve hijri months. (Islamic calendar) It is also the month of the Qur’an, since Muhammad -saw- first received parts of the Qur’an on one special night in Ramadan: Laylat Al Qadr (meaning: Night of Power; on Arabic written: ليلة القدر).

Fasting[]

Fasting is supposed to teach Muslims about patience and ibadah (faith). It is a time for Muslims to think about how the poor and homeless suffer without lots of food, it helps Muslims to be more obedient, and less greedy. During Ramadan, Muslims ask to be forgiven for their sins, and they pray for help in stopping them from doing bad things. Muslims believe Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad. Not everyone has to fast in Ramadan. Children do not have to fast. They should start when they reach the age of puberty, so long as they are healthy. People who are traveling long distances do not have to fast. Pregnant women do not have to if they think it might harm their unborn baby.

How to Celebrate Ramadan[]

Skip eating and drinking during the day. If you celebrate Ramadan, you're not supposed to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. That includes water, any type of food or liquid, and things like gum.

  • Fasting isn't just about not eating. It's about learning to have sympathy with others, learning self-restraint, and giving to others in need.

Fast from negative behaviors, too.

Rise early for the morning meal.

Break the fast with friends and family.

Also, the fast is usually broken with a dried date or two.

  • The evening meal that breaks the fast is called the iftar.

Decorate for iftar.

Eat halal at Ramadan, as you do throughout the year.

Offer the special prayer after iftar.

Visit the mosque for prayer.

Give to charity.

Advertisement