What is Ramadan?

Ever notice how some people during a certain time of year don’t eat? They’re most likely Muslim and fasting for Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is a holy month. The reason Ramadan is so holy is that it is thought to be the month that the Holy Quran was sent down from Allah(SWT). This year Ramadan will be from Friday, February 28 to Saturday, March 29th. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid Al Fitr, which celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan and is a time to be thankful. 

Ramadan requires Muslims to fast unless they are traveling, ill, elderly, pregnant, or on their menstrual cycle. Muslims fast from dusk to dawn, while they fast they are still expected to do their Islamic duties such as prayer. While Muslims fast they cannot consume food or liquids, and if they cannot fast they must make up the days missed after the holy month is over.

Ramadan is also a time to give. Many Muslims give money to the less fortunate during this month. Muslims pray more during the last ten days of Ramadan because there is a chance they can pray on Laylatul Qadr, if one prays sincerely on Laylatul Qadr, all their past sins will be forgiven.

To put this into perspective, the Quran states, “The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.”

The Night of Glory is Laylatul Qadr, and the good deeds you get for praying and being charitable on this day are better than a thousand months.

Ramadan is important to Muslims because it brings them closer to Allah(SWT). Allah means God in Arabic. Ramadan also teaches people to show empathy and to be more understanding of less fortunate people. Because of fasting Muslims also learn self-discipline and sacrifice. 

Many people think that Muslims can’t swallow their saliva, when in fact according to the Quran, that’s totally okay! Another common misconception is that Ramadan is only about fasting, but it is clear that Ramadan is way more than just not eating food. Some people believe that fasting is harmful, but Muslims only fast until sunset, so it doesn’t cause any harm. The Quran states this about fasting, “˹You may eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall.”

Ramadan is a special time of year for many people in our community and its a time to be giving and care for one another, so next time you see someone you know fasting for Ramadan, tell them Ramadan Kareem!

All translation of the Quran come from Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran.