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Ramadan is one of the most important months in Islam. Every year, millions of Muslims around the world fast, pray, and reflect during this sacred time. If you are new to Islam, curious about Ramadan, or simply want a clear explanation, this guide will help you understand how Ramadan works in a simple and easy way.
This article explains what Ramadan is, how fasting works, who must fast, daily routines, and what Ramadan looks like in everyday life.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a sacred month because it is when Allah revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Allah says in the Quran:
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down as guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
(Surah Al Baqarah 2:185)
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. These pillars are the core acts of worship that shape a Muslim’s faith and practice. This shows how important Ramadan is in Islam.
Ramadan is not only about fasting from food and drink. It is a month of spiritual growth, self-discipline, patience, and increased worship.
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Ramadan does not follow the Gregorian calendar. Instead, it follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the moon.
Each Islamic month begins when the new moon is sighted. Ramadan starts when the Ramadan moon is seen and ends when the moon of Shawwal appears.
Moon sighting plays a key role in determining the start and end of Ramadan.
Muslims look for the new crescent moon on the 29th night of the previous month. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan begins the next day. If not, the month completes 30 days.
Different countries may start Ramadan on different days due to moon sighting methods. This difference is recognised in Islam and does not affect the validity of fasting.
Because a lunar year is shorter than a solar year, Ramadan moves about ten to eleven days earlier each year. This means Muslims experience Ramadan in different seasons over time, including long summer fasts and shorter winter fasts.
To find out more about how the lunar calender works and when Ramadan falls in 2026, read: When Is Ramadan 2026?
Fasting in Ramadan means abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn to sunset. This daily fast is called Sawm.
Fasting begins at Fajr, the dawn prayer, and ends at Maghrib, the sunset prayer.
However, fasting is not only physical. It also includes controlling behaviour and speech. Muslims are encouraged to avoid lying, gossip, anger, and harmful actions.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
“Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him leaving his food and drink.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1903)
This shows that fasting is meant to improve character, not just restrict eating.
To learn more about fasting in Ramadan, read: How to Fast during Ramadan - A Comprehensive Guide.
Ramadan fasting is not meant to starve the body. Its true purpose is to awaken the heart.
When a Muslim stays away from food and drink, they become more aware of Allah throughout the day. Hunger and thirst act as reminders that everything we enjoy comes from Him. This constant awareness is called taqwa, which means being conscious of Allah in every action.
Allah clearly states the purpose of fasting in the Quran:
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.”
(Surah Al Baqarah 2:183)
Through fasting, Muslims learn to control their desires. Normally, a person eats, drinks, and reacts without much thought. Ramadan slows this down. It teaches self-restraint, patience, and discipline. If a person can control their basic needs, they are more able to control their anger, speech, and behaviour.
Fasting also softens the heart. Feeling hunger creates empathy for the poor, the hungry, and those who struggle daily. This is why charity holds such a strong place in Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to give more, feed others, and help those in need.
Spiritually, fasting removes distractions. With fewer meals, less social activity, and a slower pace of life, Muslims find more time for prayer, reflection, and reading the Quran. This helps rebuild the connection between a person and their Creator.
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before fasting begins. It is a Sunnah and highly recommended.
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
"Take Suhur as there is a blessing in it."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1923)
Suhoor helps maintain energy, especially during long fasting days.
Intention for fasting (Niyyah):
Arabic:
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ فَرْضِ رَمَضَانَ هَذِهِ السَّنَةِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
Transliteration:
Nawaytu sawma ghadin an adā’i fardi Ramadāna hādhihis sanati lillāhi ta‘ālā.
Meaning:
I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan as an obligation for the sake of Allah.
The intention does not need to be spoken aloud. It is sufficient to make it in the heart before Fajr.
Iftar is the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast. Muslims are encouraged to break the fast promptly.
It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
"When one of you breaks his Saum (fasting), let him break it on dates; if he does not have any, break his fast with water for it is pure."
(Riyad as-Salihin 1238)
Iftar is also a time of gratitude, dua, and community bonding.
When breaking the fast, it is Sunnah to recite the following dua:
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Transliteration:
Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika āmantu wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu wa ‘alā rizqika aftartu.
Meaning:
O Allah, for You I have fasted, in You I believe, in You I place my trust, and with Your provision I break my fast.
The following actions break the fast if done intentionally:
a. Eating or drinking
b. Smoking
c. Marital relations
d. Intentional vomiting
e. Menstrual or postnatal bleeding
Accidental actions do not break the fast. Islam is based on mercy and ease.
Some modern issues, such as medication, injections, and medical procedures, have specific rulings. Those with health concerns should seek scholarly advice.
Fasting during Ramadan is an obligation for adult Muslims who are physically and mentally able. This means fasting is compulsory for those who have reached puberty, are sane, and are capable of fasting without harm.
Children are not required to fast until they reach puberty. However, many families encourage children to practice fasting for a few hours or a few days to gradually build their stamina and understanding of the fast. This helps them learn the spiritual significance of Ramadan and prepares them for adulthood.
Women who are menstruating, postpartum bleeding, or experiencing other forms of legitimate physical impurity are exempt from fasting during those days. Islam recognises that fasting during menstruation or postpartum bleeding is not required, as it could harm health.
Missed fasts due to menstruation must be made up later, after Ramadan ends. Women are encouraged to maintain their spiritual routine during menstruation by praying when possible, reading the Quran, making dua, and engaging in charity.
Fasting is also not obligatory for those who are:
a. Sick or recovering from illness
b. Travelling long distances
c. Elderly and physically unable to fast
d. Pregnant or breastfeeding, if fasting may harm their health or the child
Those who miss fasts for these valid reasons must make up the missed fasts later. Islam emphasises that Allah does not wish to burden anyone beyond their capacity.
If a person cannot fast at all due to a permanent condition or old age, they are required to pay Fidyah. Fidyah is feeding one poor person for each missed fast. This ensures the person still contributes to the spiritual purpose of Ramadan and supports those in need.
Prayer and worship are central to Ramadan. While fasting is a physical act, it is also deeply spiritual, designed to draw a person closer to Allah.
Muslims continue to perform the five obligatory daily prayers: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. During Ramadan, these prayers gain additional spiritual significance because they are performed while fasting, with heightened awareness and reflection.
Taraweeh prayers are performed after Isha each night in Ramadan. They involve reciting long portions of the Quran. In some mosques, the entire Quran is completed over the month. Taraweeh strengthens community bonds as people gather in the mosque or pray at home with family.
Also Read: How to Pray Taraweeh - Step by Step Guide
Ramadan is called the month of the Quran, and reading it is highly encouraged. Many Muslims aim to complete the entire Quran during the month. Even reading a few verses daily is spiritually rewarding.
The purpose is not just to finish reading but to understand and reflect on the meaning of Allah’s words. This reflection helps improve character, patience, and mindfulness.
Charity (Sadaqah) and Zakah are strongly emphasised during Ramadan. Helping others, feeding the poor, and engaging in community service are seen as extensions of the fasting experience.
Even small acts of kindness, like smiling, speaking gently, or helping a neighbour, hold greater reward during this month.
The last ten nights of Ramadan hold special significance. One of these nights is Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, which is described in the Quran as
“The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)
Muslims spend these nights in intense prayer, Quran recitation, and supplication, seeking forgiveness and blessings.
Ramadan is far more than fasting from food and drink. It is a complete spiritual experience that shapes a Muslim’s heart, habits, and faith.
Understanding how Ramadan works helps build respect and appreciation for this sacred month.
Whether you are Muslim or simply curious, Ramadan offers lessons that go beyond religion and touch the soul.
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