Ramadan - A month of Blessings and Compassion

Muslims all over the World celebrate the arrival of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is also regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. All Muslims over 12 are expected to fast from dawn to sunset this month except those with some physiological or pathological condition in which fasting may further impair their health. During Ramadan, all Muslims over the age of 12 are expected to fast from dawn until sunset, with exceptions for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, menstruating, ill or frail, traveling long distances, or prepubertal children. The dates of Ramadan change with the phases of the moon. It commences with the new crescent moon and ends with the completion of a lunar cycle phase.

Historically, Ramadan holds deep significance in Islam as it was during this month that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 610 CE, an event known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). This sacred month has been observed by Muslims for over 1,400 years, fostering a strong sense of devotion, self-discipline, and community. Over time, Ramadan traditions have evolved across different cultures, with each region incorporating unique customs while preserving the core spiritual essence of fasting, prayer, and charity.

Religious Practices:

On a typical Ramadan day, Muslims start their day early to eat a pre-fast meal called suhoor before dawn. During the day, Muslims are prohibited from consuming any food or drinks. Depending on the location and season, people in certain regions need to fast for as long as 20 hours.

After sunset, families break their fasts with an evening meal called iftar, traditionally starting with dates and water, following the sunnah (tradition) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH: Peace Be Upon Him). Iftar is often a communal event, bringing together family, friends, and neighbours. Many mosques and charitable organisations host free iftar meals for the underprivileged, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and community.

underprivileged community members. In some communities, regular free iftar meals are hosted for the homeless every night of Ramadan.

Additional Ramadan Rituals and the Virtue of Umrah

During Ramadan, Muslims engage in a variety of spiritual activities beyond fasting to deepen their faith and communal bonds. One of the key practices is the nightly prayer known as Tarawih, which is performed in congregation after the Isha prayer. These extended prayers involve reciting long portions of the Quran, with the aim of completing the entire holy book by the end of the month. Additionally, Muslims are encouraged to increase their reading of the Quran, seek forgiveness through repentance, give generously to charity, and perform acts of kindness. The last ten days of Ramadan hold special importance as Muslims seek Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, and when prayers are especially powerful.

Many Muslims also aspire to spend part of Ramadan in Makkah (City in Saudi Arabia), the holiest city in Islam. Performing Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) during Ramadan is especially valued, as the rewards for performing Umrah during this month are believed to be equivalent to performing Hajj (the major pilgrimage) with the Prophet PBUH. Being in Makkah during Ramadan allows Muslims to fast and pray in the proximity of the Kaaba, enhancing their spiritual experience and devotion.

In addition to fasting, extra prayers and spiritual activities are observed throughout Ramadan:

1. Taraweeh Prayers

Every night, special Taraweeh prayers are held in mosques, where long portions of the Qur’an are recited. Many Muslims aim to complete the entire Qur’an by the end of the month.

2. Increased Acts of Charity (Zakat & Sadaqah)

Zakat (obligatory charity) is often given during Ramadan, as many Muslims see it as a time for purification and generosity.

Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is also common, with people donating money, food, and clothes to those in need. Many organizations run food drives and donation campaigns to support the less fortunate.

3. Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)

One of the holiest nights of Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr, is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed.

It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on an odd-numbered night (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th).

Many Muslims spend the night in intensive prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and seeking forgiveness, as it is believed that worship on this night is better than a thousand months.

4. I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)

In the last ten days of Ramadan, some Muslims practice I’tikaf, a form of spiritual retreat where they stay in the mosque, dedicating their time entirely to worship, prayer, and self-reflection.

This practice is meant to strengthen one's relationship with Allah, away from daily distractions.

5. Family and Cultural Traditions

Many cultures have unique Ramadan traditions, such as Ramadan drummers in Turkey and the Middle East, who wake people up for suhoor.

Special Ramadan decorations, lanterns (Fanous), and lights are commonly seen in Muslim-majority countries.

Eid preparations also begin in the last few days, with people shopping for new clothes, gifts, and special treats to celebrate the upcoming festival.

Reasons for Fasting:

For Muslims, fasting is an act of worship resulting in God-consciousness development. The spiritual rewards are also known to be multiplied during this month as Muslims need to exercise self-discipline and restraint. Furthermore, it allows Muslims to nurture compassion for the needy and become more grateful for every blessing bestowed upon us. Muslims often donate to Islamic charities and read the Qu’ran (Holy book) as a form of their reverence to the religion.

(Fasting during Ramadan is aimed at spiritual purification, self-discipline, and empathy. The act of fasting serves multiple spiritual and social purposes. Primarily, it is a means for Muslims to develop a sense of self-control and to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims humility and submission to God, as the fast is seen as a way to obey divine commandments and grow closer in their relationship with Allah.

Moreover, fasting is intended to remind Muslims of the suffering of the less fortunate, fostering a sense of empathy and generosity. By experiencing hunger and thirst, individuals are reminded of the daily struggles faced by those living in poverty, which in turn inspires a greater commitment to charitable acts and community assistance. Thus, Ramadan is not only a time for inner reflection and devotion but also for practicing almsgiving and kindness, reinforcing the social bonds within the community.)

End of Ramadan:

Upon the completion of Ramadan, Muslims globally celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast. On this day, Muslims wake up early and dress in their best attire to attend the congressional Eid prayers. The rest of the day is spent with family and friends while consuming good food and giving gifts to loved ones.

Ramadan for 2025 will possibly start in UK on the evening of Friday February 28th evening, lasts for 30 days and ends at sundown on Saturday, March 29th (but UK Muslim clerics will confirm the exact dates a few days before).