A Guide to Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. which follows the cycles of the moon, the lunar calendar. Starting and ending of the month of Ramadan as well as other Islamic months are based on lunar calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting. This annual observance is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, meaning it is a fundamental act of worship that strengthens a Muslim’s faith and discipline. Ramadan is also known as the month of Quran. as the first revelation was sent down during this month. Many Muslims aim to read or complete the entire Qur’an during Ramadan, reflecting on its meaning and applying its guidance to daily life.
Times of Fasting
We stop eating and drinking before Dawn. We break our fast at Sunset. The fast is broken with a meal called Iftar, often starting with dates and water, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Reward of Fasting
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) said that Allah (the All-mighty) said:
“All the deeds of man are for himself except for fasting, which is for ME and I shall reward it Myself”. (Bukhari)
Ramadan is the month of virtues, and every good deed or action’s reward is multiplied more than seven hundred times. There is a gate of heaven called Al-Rayyan and those fasting will enter through this gate. Fasting is a mean of bringing a person closer to the creator, attaining righteousness, piety and consciousness.
Importance of Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of spiritual elevation and renewed connection with Allah. It is a time when Muslims pause from their daily routines to reflect on their faith, actions, and purpose in life.
The revelation of the Quran began in this month to the prophet Muhammed. It is a month of Blessing, Mercy, and Forgiveness.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained.”
Ramadan is a period of high status, the reward of acts of obedience is greatly multiplied. Ramadan is also a month of moral growth. It encourages Muslims to improve their character by practicing patience, humility, generosity, and forgiveness. Many Muslims use Ramadan as a reset — to abandon bad habits and replace them with positive ones.
This month also strengthens the sense of community, as families pray together, share meals, and support charitable causes.
The Prophet (may peace be upon Him) said: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan with faith and hoping (i.e. with anticipation) for its reward shall have all of his previous sins forgiven for him.”
It increases God consciousness to a broader perspective. Ramadan increases generosity among the fasting people. This holy month reminds us how it feels without eating and drinking.
The purpose of fasting goes beyond hunger. Allah says “O ye who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that ye may learn self-restraint”
Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is not just to abstain from eating and drinking but also to refrain from bad habits like foul language, lying, backbiting and smoking.
Muslims are motivated to do good deeds because of the immense rewards of this month. Muslims also realize and get to experience how poor people feel with no food or drinks. People ask forgiveness from Allah and from any one they have wronged. The nature and effect of fasting can only be discovered by experience.
Islam emphasises ease and compassion. Those who are exempt from fasting are not seen as missing out; rather, Allah provides them alternative ways to earn reward, such as charity or making up fasts later. They are five people that are exempted from fasting these are:
Travellers
Weak and Sick people
Elderly (old age)
Young children, until they reach the age of adolescence.
Lactating and expecting mothers are exempted from fasting.
Additional Aspects of Ramadan
Taraweeh prayers are special additional congregational prayers held each night during the month of Ramadan. These prayers foster unity, patience, and dedication.
Ithikaaf is another form of worship, whereby the worshippers stay in the mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan. It encourages deep reflection, detachment from distractions, and full devotion to Allah.
These optional aspects of Ramadan help Muslims build on their spiritual and emotional relationship with the Almighty. So that we can fill our bags with extra, good deeds for the day of Judgement.
Laylatul Qadr: the Night of Power
Laylatul Qadr is one of the most significant nights in Islam. It occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan, on an odd-numbered night. On this night, the Qur’an was first revealed, marking a turning point in human history.
Worship on Laylatul Qadr is better than worshipping for over 83 years, which reflects Allah’s mercy in giving believers immense reward in a short time. Angels descend on this night, spreading peace until dawn.
There is a chapter in the Quran (Chapter 97) with verses talking about the night of power.
End of Ramadan
As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims reflect on the changes they have made — spiritually, emotionally, and morally. The goal is not for goodness to end with Ramadan, but for it to continue throughout the year. Ramadan is also an opportunity to repent and ask for forgiveness.
The end of Ramadan is celebrated as ‘Eid ul Fitr’ which is the first day of the next month of the Islamic calendar, known as ‘Shawwal’.
Eid ul Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide.
It is a day of gratitude, joy, and unity, beginning with a special prayer and charity known as Zakat al-Fitr, which ensures that even the less fortunate can celebrate.