Significance
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month in Islam. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Jibreel. The fast is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, obligatory for every adult Muslim who is able. Beyond physical abstention, Ramadan is a month of spiritual intensification — increased prayer, charity, Quran recitation, and community. The nightly Tarawih prayers draw Muslims together in mosques around the world. The last ten nights are considered especially blessed, culminating in Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power.
How It Is Observed
Muslims wake before dawn for Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), then fast — no food, drink, smoking, or sexual relations — from Fajr (dawn prayer) until Maghrib (sunset prayer). The fast is broken each evening with Iftar, traditionally started with dates and water. Families and communities gather for Iftar meals. Special Tarawih prayers are offered at night, during which the entire Quran is recited over the course of the month. The month is also marked by increased charity (Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory) and spiritual reflection.
From the Quran
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity, with clear proofs of guidance and the standard to distinguish right from wrong. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then let them fast an equal number of days after Ramadan. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”
— Al-Baqarah 2:185