Ramadan Information Sheet

Introduction
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. In
Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink
during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control,
gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual
rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time
reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or
nursing women, the sick, or elderly people & children, are exempt from fasting.
When does Ramadan take place?
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month
lunar year of approximately 354 days. Because the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar
year, each lunar month moves 11 days earlier each year. It takes 33 solar years for the lunar
months to complete a full cycle and return to the same season. The month traditionally begins
and ends based on the sighting of the new moon. In recent years, however, many Muslims
follow a pre-determined date based on astronomical calculations. For the start and end dates
of Ramadan this year, see our Calendar of Important Islamic Dates.
The Length and Purpose of Fasting
Muslims fast from pre-dawn to sunset, a fast of between 11-16 hours depending on
the time of year for a period of 29-30 days. Ramadan entails forgoing food and drink, and if
married, abstaining from sex during sunlit hours. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time to train
themselves both physically and spiritually by avoiding any negative acts such as gossiping,
backbiting, lying, or arguing. Muslims welcome Ramadan as an opportunity for self-
reflection and spiritual improvement, and as a means to grow in moral excellence. Ramadan
is also a highly social time as Muslims invite each other to breakfast together and meet for
prayers at the mosque.
The ultimate goal of fasting is gaining greater God-consciousness, known in Arabic
as taqwa, signifying a state of constant awareness of God. From this awareness, a person
should gain discipline, self-restraint, and a greater incentive to do good and avoid wrong. In
commemoration of the revelation the Qur’an, which began in the month of Ramadan,
Muslims attempt to read the entire book during Ramadan. The entire Qur’an is also
recited during special nightly prayers.
Who Fasts:
All Muslims who have reached puberty are obligated to fast. However, people for
whom fasting would be a hardship are exempted from fasting. This includes anyone who is
sick or traveling; women who are pregnant, nursing, or on their menses; or older people who
are too weak or ill to fast. They should make up the fast later, except for those who cannot
fast due to age or chronic illness. Instead, they can feed a poor person for every day of fasting
which they miss.
Children:
While children are not required to fast until they reach puberty, it is customary for
children beginning around seven years of age to perform limited or symbolic fasting such as
fasting half days or on weekends. This trains them gradually and helps to engender a sense of
inclusion during the month-long observance. Mosques often give special recognition to
children who are fasting their first full day or first Ramadan.
Family Routines:
A Muslim family usually rises before dawn and eats a modest, breakfast-like meal
called suhur. After the meal, the family performs the morning prayer, and depending on the
circumstances, goes back to bed or begins the day. Particularly during the long summer
months, people often take a nap in the late afternoon after work or school. At sunset, family
members break the fast with a few dates and water, and depending on the culture, other light
foods such as soup, appetizers or fruit. This is referred to as iftar which means “breaking the
fast.” After performing the sunset prayers, the family eats dinner. Inviting guests to break the
fast or going to someone else’s house for iftar is very common in Ramadan. Many families
then go to the mosque for the night prayer and a special Ramadan prayer called Taraweeh.
After completing their prayers, families return home often quite late in the evening depending
on the time of year. All of these times vary depending on the time of year, with shorter days
in the winter and longer days in the summer.
Special Activities:
Many mosques host daily community dinners where Muslims can break their fast
together. This is a great service for students, the poor, and anyone who desires a break from
cooking. Many mosques also host a community dinner on the weekends.
Special Ramadan prayers called Taraweeh are held in most mosques after the night prayer.
During Taraweeh, the prayer leader recites at least one thirtieth of the Qur’an so that by the
end of the month the entire Qur’an will have been recited.
Since Ramadan is a time for Muslims to be especially charitable and fasting helps
Muslims feel compassion for the hungry and less fortunate, many mosques hold food drives
or fundraisers for charity during Ramadan. Many mosques also host open houses for their
friends and neighbors of other faiths to join them for their fast-breaking dinner or iftar at the
end of the fasting day.
The Night of Power known as Lailat al-Qadr, is believed to fall on one of the odd
nights during the last ten days of Ramadan, but is most widely observed on the 27th night of
Ramadan. It is considered the most blessed night in Ramadan because it is believed to be the
night in which the Qu’ran was first revealed. Mosques are open all night as Muslims hold
vigils in prayer, Qur’anic recitation, and contemplation.
Special Foods:
Breaking the fast with dates or water is the only strictly traditional culinary custom associated
with Ramadan. It is interesting to note the suitability of dates for this purpose as they are a
concentrated source of energy and easily digestible. Different Muslim-populated countries
have a variety of special dishes and desserts for Ramadan.
Benefits of Fasting:
Doctors agree that fasting is extremely beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels and for other
health benefits. Fasting is a means of purifying the body as well as the spirit, as it gives the
body a rest from the continuous task of digesting food.
Eid ul-Fitr:
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate one of their major holidays called Eid ul-Fitr or
the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.” For the date of the holiday, see our Calendar of
Important Islamic Dates. Children traditionally receive new clothes, money, or gifts from
parents, relatives, and friends. A special prayer and sermon are held on the morning of Eid
day, followed by a community celebration usually in a park or large hall. Food, games, and
presents for children are important parts of the festivities, as friends and family spend the day
socializing, eating, and reuniting with old acquaintances. The greeting Eid Mubarak means
“blessed holiday!”