Ramadan

Basic Information and Origins

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, making it extra special because it moves about 11 days earlier each year in the regular calendar we use!

The word “Ramadan” comes from the Arabic word “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” which means intense heat or scorched ground — this name was chosen because fasting helps purify the soul!

In Ramadan 610 CE, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first verses of the Quran in a cave called Hira near Mecca.

But fasting in Ramadan started later, in 624 CE, after he moved to Medina. So, Ramadan became a special month for fasting years after the Quran’s first revelation!

More than 1.8 billion Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, making it one of the largest religious observances on Earth!

Muslims believe that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during Ramadan, specifically on the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr)!

Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the most important practices in the Muslim faith!

The Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, which is why you might see people looking for the new crescent moon to mark the start of Ramadan!

In some countries, special cannon shots are fired to announce the beginning of Ramadan and the daily breaking of the fast!

The crescent moon and star are important symbols during Ramadan, and you might see them decorating homes and mosques!

Muslims in different parts of the world might start Ramadan on slightly different days because they wait to actually see the new moon in their location!

Fasting and Religious Practices

During Ramadan, Muslims fast (called “sawm” in Arabic) from sunrise to sunset, which means no eating or drinking during daylight hours!

In many Islamic traditions, children usually start practicing fasting when they’re around 7–10 years old, beginning with just a few hours or days to get used to it!

The pre-dawn meal eaten before starting the fast during Ramadan is called “suhoor” — it’s like having a very early breakfast!

The evening meal to break the fast during Ramadan is called “iftar,” and traditionally, people break their fast with dates and water, just like Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did!

Muslims are encouraged to do extra good deeds during Ramadan, like giving to charity, helping others, and being extra kind!

Special night prayers called “Taraweeh” are held in mosques during Ramadan, where people pray together and listen to readings from the Quran!

Some Muslims try to read the entire Quran during Ramadan, which has 30 parts – one for each day of the month!

If someone is sick, traveling, or too young, they don’t have to fast during Ramadan — Islam teaches that taking care of your health is very important!

The last ten days of Ramadan are considered especially blessed, and many Muslims spend extra time praying during these days!

Food and Celebrations

Different cultures have special Ramadan foods — in Egypt, people love to drink a special juice made from dried apricots called “qamar al-din”!

In Turkey, especially in cities like Istanbul, there is a centuries-old tradition where drummers, known as Ramadan drummers, walk through neighborhoods before dawn to wake residents for suhoor (the pre-dawn meal).

Many families make special cookies called “maamoul” filled with dates or nuts to celebrate the end of Ramadan!

In Indonesia, during the month of Ramadan, people love to break their fast with “kolak,” a sweet soup made with fruits, coconut milk, and palm sugar!

Dates are especially important during Ramadan because they’re full of natural sugar that gives quick energy after fasting!

In Morocco, people often break their fast during Ramadan with a special soup called “harira” made with tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas!

During Ramadan, many Muslims invite friends and family to share in iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast at sunset.

In some countries, special Ramadan tents are set up where people can gather to break their fast together!

Some families create special Ramadan calendars, similar to advent calendars, with treats and good deed suggestions for each day!

The end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called Eid al-Fitr, which means “Festival of Breaking the Fast”!

Community and Charity

During Ramadan, many mosques and communities provide free iftar meals to anyone who needs them!

Muslims are encouraged to give extra charity during Ramadan, called “Zakat al-Fitr,” which helps make sure everyone can celebrate Eid!

Many communities organize special markets called “Ramadan bazaars” where people can buy special foods and decorations!

In many cities, streets and buildings are decorated with beautiful lights and lanterns during Ramadan!

The special lantern used during Ramadan is called “fanous” in Arabic, and it’s especially popular in Egypt!

Global Celebrations

In Malaysia, many hotels and restaurants set up elaborate “Ramadan buffets” for iftar with hundreds of different dishes!

In the United Arab Emirates, shopping malls stay open very late during Ramadan, so people can shop and eat after breaking their fast!

In Saudi Arabia, the city of Mecca receives millions of visitors during Ramadan who come to pray at the Holy Mosque!

In London, England, some areas like Edgware Road become very festive during Ramadan with special decorations and food stalls!

In China, Muslims in the Xinjiang region often break their fast with traditional hand-pulled noodles called “lagman”!

In Turkey, during Ramadan, cities are decorated with “mahya,” special lights strung between mosque minarets that spell out beautiful messages!

In Indonesia, during Ramadan, people often celebrate with special shadow puppet shows called “wayang kulit”!

In North America, many mosques host “interfaith iftars” where they invite people of other religions to learn about Ramadan!

In Bosnia, a special person called a “muvekkit” calculates and announces the exact prayer times during Ramadan!

In Singapore, the famous Geylang Serai market becomes a huge festive bazaar during Ramadan!

Modern Practices

Many Muslims now use special apps on their phones to know the exact times for starting and breaking their fast!

Many Muslim athletes continue to observe Ramadan even during important sports competitions!

Some schools have special quiet rooms during Ramadan where fasting students can rest during lunch break!

Historical Facts

The tradition of lighting lanterns during Ramadan started in Egypt during the Fatimid Caliphate, over 1,000 years ago!

The tradition of using a cannon to announce the breaking of the fast during Ramadan, known as the “Iftar Cannon,” originated in Egypt!

The practice of having drummers wake people for suhoor (the pre-dawn meal before fasting during Ramadan) began during the Ottoman Empire and continues today!