Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and is regarded as the holiest month in Islam. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world. During this month, the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as guidance for humanity.
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” which means intense heat or dryness. Spiritually, it symbolizes the burning away of sins through sincere repentance and worship.
Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink—it is about purifying the heart, strengthening faith, and building a deeper connection with Allah.
The Obligation of Fasting (Sawm)
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Every healthy adult Muslim is required to fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
During the fast, Muslims abstain from:
Food and drink
Smoking
Marital relations
Sinful speech and behavior
The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar, while the pre-dawn meal is known as Suhoor.
Those who are ill, elderly, pregnant, traveling, or unable to fast are given exemptions according to Islamic law.
Spiritual Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is often described as a month of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. It is a time when Muslims increase:
Daily prayers
Recitation of the Qur’an
Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah)
Du‘a (supplication)
Good deeds and kindness
Muslims believe that during Ramadan:
The gates of Paradise are opened
The gates of Hell are closed
Rewards for good deeds are multiplied
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power)
One of the last ten nights of Ramadan includes Laylat al-Qadr, known as the Night of Decree. The Qur’an describes this night as “better than a thousand months.” It is believed to be the night when the first revelation descended.
Muslims spend these nights in prayer, seeking forgiveness and blessings.
History of Ramadan
The history of Ramadan begins in 610 CE, when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation from Allah through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the Cave of Hira near Makkah. These revelations later became the Holy Qur’an.
Because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, Ramadan became spiritually significant and honored above all other months.
Fasting Made Obligatory (2 AH / 624 CE)
Although Ramadan was already known as a sacred month, fasting during Ramadan was officially made obligatory in the 2nd year after Hijrah (624 CE), after the Prophet ﷺ migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
From that time onward, fasting became one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ramadan
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month in Islam. It is a time of fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection.
2. Why do Muslims fast during this month?
Muslims fast because it is a command from Allah in the Qur’an. Fasting teaches self-discipline, gratitude, patience, and strengthens one’s relationship with Allah.
3. Who is required to fast?
Healthy adult Muslims must fast during Ramadan.
Children, the elderly, travelers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those who are ill may be exempt.
4. What are Muslims not allowed to do while fasting?
During fasting hours (dawn to sunset), Muslims must avoid:
Eating and drinking
Smoking
Marital relations
Lying, arguing, or sinful behavior
5. What is Suhoor and Iftar?
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before fasting begins.
Iftar is the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast.
6. What is Laylat al-Qadr?
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power) occurs in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night when Allah first revealed the Qur’an, and they consider it better than a thousand months.
7. Is Ramadan the same every year?
No. Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, so it moves about 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
8. What happens at the end of it?
Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a joyful festival marked by prayer, charity, and family gatherings.
9. Can non-Muslims participate in Ramadan?
Non-Muslims do not have to fast, but many respectfully join Muslims in learning about Ramadan or even try a voluntary fast.
10. What is the main purpose of this month?
The main purpose of Ramadan is to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), self-control, and spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Ramadan is more than a month of fasting—it is a sacred time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and closeness to Allah. For over fourteen centuries, Muslims around the world have observed this holy month as a period of mercy, forgiveness, and transformation.
Through fasting, prayer, charity, and reflection, believers strive to purify their hearts and strengthen their faith. Ramadan teaches patience, gratitude, compassion, and responsibility. It reminds Muslims of the blessings they enjoy and the importance of caring for those in need.
As the month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, the true success of Ramadan lies not only in completing the fast, but in carrying its lessons—faith, kindness, and self-control—throughout the rest of the year.
May it continue to inspire hearts and bring peace, unity, and spiritual growth to communities across the world. 🌙
Ramadan in Islam: History, Purpose, and Importance
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and is regarded as the holiest month in Islam. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world. During this month, the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as guidance for humanity.
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” which means intense heat or dryness. Spiritually, it symbolizes the burning away of sins through sincere repentance and worship.
Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink—it is about purifying the heart, strengthening faith, and building a deeper connection with Allah.
The Obligation of Fasting (Sawm)
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Every healthy adult Muslim is required to fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
During the fast, Muslims abstain from:
The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar, while the pre-dawn meal is known as Suhoor.
Those who are ill, elderly, pregnant, traveling, or unable to fast are given exemptions according to Islamic law.
Spiritual Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is often described as a month of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. It is a time when Muslims increase:
Muslims believe that during Ramadan:
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power)
One of the last ten nights of Ramadan includes Laylat al-Qadr, known as the Night of Decree. The Qur’an describes this night as “better than a thousand months.” It is believed to be the night when the first revelation descended.
Muslims spend these nights in prayer, seeking forgiveness and blessings.
History of Ramadan
The history of Ramadan begins in 610 CE, when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation from Allah through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the Cave of Hira near Makkah. These revelations later became the Holy Qur’an.
Because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, Ramadan became spiritually significant and honored above all other months.
Fasting Made Obligatory (2 AH / 624 CE)
Although Ramadan was already known as a sacred month, fasting during Ramadan was officially made obligatory in the 2nd year after Hijrah (624 CE), after the Prophet ﷺ migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
From that time onward, fasting became one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ramadan
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month in Islam. It is a time of fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection.
2. Why do Muslims fast during this month?
Muslims fast because it is a command from Allah in the Qur’an. Fasting teaches self-discipline, gratitude, patience, and strengthens one’s relationship with Allah.
3. Who is required to fast?
Healthy adult Muslims must fast during Ramadan.
Children, the elderly, travelers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those who are ill may be exempt.
4. What are Muslims not allowed to do while fasting?
During fasting hours (dawn to sunset), Muslims must avoid:
5. What is Suhoor and Iftar?
6. What is Laylat al-Qadr?
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power) occurs in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night when Allah first revealed the Qur’an, and they consider it better than a thousand months.
7. Is Ramadan the same every year?
No. Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, so it moves about 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
8. What happens at the end of it?
Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a joyful festival marked by prayer, charity, and family gatherings.
9. Can non-Muslims participate in Ramadan?
Non-Muslims do not have to fast, but many respectfully join Muslims in learning about Ramadan or even try a voluntary fast.
10. What is the main purpose of this month?
The main purpose of Ramadan is to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), self-control, and spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Ramadan is more than a month of fasting—it is a sacred time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and closeness to Allah. For over fourteen centuries, Muslims around the world have observed this holy month as a period of mercy, forgiveness, and transformation.
Through fasting, prayer, charity, and reflection, believers strive to purify their hearts and strengthen their faith. Ramadan teaches patience, gratitude, compassion, and responsibility. It reminds Muslims of the blessings they enjoy and the importance of caring for those in need.
As the month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, the true success of Ramadan lies not only in completing the fast, but in carrying its lessons—faith, kindness, and self-control—throughout the rest of the year.
May it continue to inspire hearts and bring peace, unity, and spiritual growth to communities across the world. 🌙
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