What is Ramadan?
 

1. Introduction

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the most sacred month in Islam. It is not merely a period of abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset; it is a comprehensive spiritual boot camp. It is a month of immense blessings, during which the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. It is a time for Muslims to reconnect with their Creator, seek forgiveness, and practice self-discipline.

2. Why Muslims Fast

Fasting during Ramadan is a fundamental pillar of Islam, directly commanded by Allah. The act of fasting is an act of obedience and worship. The primary reference for this obligation is found in the Quran:

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

This verse highlights that fasting is an ancient tradition of faith, prescribed not just for the followers of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, but for previous nations as well, indicating its universal spiritual value.

3. The Spiritual Benefits.

The ultimate goal of fasting is to attain Taqwa—God-consciousness or piety. By restraining oneself from permissible things (food and marital relations) during the day, it becomes easier to restrain oneself from impermissible sins at all times.

The reward for a sincere fast is immense. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

"Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This promise of forgiveness motivates Muslims to perform extra prayers, particularly the Tarawih (night prayers), and to engage in excessive charity and recitation of the Quran.

4. The Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr)

Within the last ten nights of Ramadan lies a night greater than a thousand months: Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree). Worship during this single night is better than the worship of over 83 years. The Quran dedicates a full chapter to its greatness:

"The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter." (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3-4)

Muslims seek this night with intense devotion, praying, supplicating, and asking for Allah's mercy.

5. Who Must Fast?

Fasting is obligatory upon every sane, adult Muslim who is physically able. However, Islam is a religion of ease. The Prophet ﷺ taught that Allah loves for His concessions to be accepted just as He loves for His commands to be followed.

Exemptions are granted to:

  • The traveler and the sick (who must make up the missed days later).
  • The elderly and those with chronic illness (who can feed a poor person for each day missed).
  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating women.

FAQ
 

Q1: Why do the dates of Ramadan change every year?
A: Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar. Therefore, it moves backward each year, allowing Muslims to experience fasting in different seasons and daylight hours over their lifetime.

Q2: What is the significance of the moon sighting?
A: The Islamic month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Fast when you see it (the new moon) and break your fast when you see it." (Sahih al-Bukhari). This reliance on physical sighting connects Muslims to a natural rhythm and unites communities.

Q3: What breaks the fast?
A: Intentional eating, drinking, or smoking during daylight hours breaks the fast. However, if one forgets and eats or drinks unintentionally, the fast is still valid, as it is Allah who fed them and gave them drink, according to a hadith of the Prophet ﷺ.

Q4: Is Ramadan only about not eating?
A: No. Fasting is a holistic act. The Prophet ﷺ warned: "Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink." (Sahih al-Bukhari). It involves controlling the tongue, the eyes, and the heart from all sins.

Q5: What is Eid al-Fitr?
A: Eid al-Fitr is the festival of breaking the fast, celebrated on the first day of the next month (Shawwal). It is a day of joy, gratitude, and charity. Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim who possesses excess food must give Zakat al-Fitr—a specific charity to feed the poor, ensuring they can also celebrate.