The Importance Of The Holy Month Of Ramadan
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Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month in the Islamic lunar calendar. During this month, archangel Jibril revealed the first five verses of the Quran — Islam's holy text — to Prophet Muhammad. The start of the holy month is determined by the appearance of the new crescent moon. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin at sundown on or around February 28, 2025.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of Islam's five pillars, or duties. Healthy adult Muslims and children over 14 do not eat or drink anything from dawn to dusk. This temporary denial of food and water is believed to increase awareness and gratitude for everything Allāh (God) has provided. It also helps develop compassion for those in need.
A typical Ramadan day
During Ramadan, observers rise before dawn to eat their first meal, known as Suhoor. This meal typically includes protein-rich traditional dishes, and fresh fruits and vegetables to sustain fasting individuals throughout the day. After eating, they perform morning prayers before continuing their daily routines.
Most Muslims break the fast at sunset by eating one to three dates. Following a short prayer, everyone settles down for the day's second and last meal. Called Iftar, the feast is usually enjoyed with family and friends. Many mosques also host free Iftar gatherings.
The meal is followed by a special night prayer called Taraweeh. Derived from the Arabic word meaning "to rest and relax," it is a form of Islamic meditation. Taraweeh prayers are usually held at a mosque. They involve reading portions of the Quran and performing rak'ahs — cycles of movement in Islamic prayer. These prayers can last up to two hours.
Zakat
Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, is a mandatory act of charitable giving. It is believed to purify one's wealth. Those who meet the minimum wealth threshold (nisab) must donate 2.5 percent of their collected wealth from the previous lunar year. While it is due annually, many Muslims prefer to give it during Ramadan. Additionally, some provide staple foods like dates or flour to those in need.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan typically ends after 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. This year, it is expected to be on or around March 29, 2025. The month of fasting is followed by Eid al-Fitr, the "festival of breaking the fast." The celebrations can last up to three days. They begin with communal morning prayers at a mosque to thank Allah for providing strength during Ramadan. Around midday, observers, dressed in festive clothes, visit family and friends or gather in public spaces to share a feast. For Muslim children, Eid is similar to Christmas, with many receiving money or gifts from elders.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Resources: Wikipedia.org, theguardian.com, bbc.co.uk
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15 Comments
iamagirlabout 4 hoursI am a Muslim and I just LOVEEEE the food my mom makes also I celebrate this- jj2013about 6 hoursI am a Christian so I don't celebrate but I like it anyway! :))
sophiakrissy63 daysthis is so cool!!!!!!!!!- sophiakrissy64 daysits kind of nice that they do this
gayatri6 dayscool
ameliaj2329217 daysI don't celebrate but cool
gamergeek8 daysI Don't Celebrate Either...But Still Fascinating...
boba-books9 daysI don’t celebrate Ramadan, but I celebrate something like it!
852128sophie10 daysWhat an unique tradition!
bookgirlschool10 daysThis is cool! I don't celebrate it, but I like to learn about other culture!😁
