Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims around the globe as a period of fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, and acts of charity. The dates shift each year, as the month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days, ending with the festival of Eid al-Fitr.

• Fasting from dawn to sunset is central to Ramadan
• The Quran is believed to have been revealed during this month
• Iftar meals break the fast each evening, often with dates and water
• Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, falls in the last ten days
• Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with communal celebrations

What it is

Ramadan is a deeply significant month for Muslims, marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, extra prayers, and reflection on the teachings of Islam. It is a time when believers seek to strengthen their relationship with God, purify their hearts, and practice self-restraint. The month is also a period for reading the Quran, giving to charity, and fostering a sense of unity and compassion within the community. For many, Ramadan is both a spiritual journey and a communal experience, connecting people across countries and cultures.

Where it comes from

Muslims believe Ramadan is the month when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, with the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) considered the holiest night. The practice of fasting during Ramadan was established in the second year of Hijra (624 CE), but the Quran notes that fasting was also prescribed to earlier religious communities. Some scholars suggest that pre-Islamic fasting traditions and influences from neighboring faiths shaped the observance, but for Muslims, Ramadan is rooted in divine guidance and centuries of devotion.

How it is celebrated

Each day of Ramadan begins before dawn with suhur, a pre-fast meal, and ends at sunset with iftar, the meal to break the fast. The fast includes abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. Families and friends gather for iftar, often starting with dates and water, followed by traditional dishes and desserts unique to each region. Special prayers, such as Tarawih, are held at mosques, and Muslims devote extra time to reading the Quran and performing acts of charity. The last ten days are especially significant, with many seeking the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr through late-night prayers and reflection.

Joining in

Visitors in Muslim-majority countries during Ramadan will notice a distinct change in daily rhythms, with bustling streets before dawn and lively gatherings at sunset. Many cities, such as Dubai, Tehran, and Jakarta, host communal iftars and decorate public spaces with lights and banners. Non-Muslims are often welcome to join iftar meals, but it is respectful to avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. The atmosphere is one of hospitality, generosity, and spiritual focus.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Ramadan, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Ramadan on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Travelling during Ramadan travel guide on WikivoyageTravel guide
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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