Do you know what Ramadan is?

The start of Ramadan fluctuates each year because the Islamic lunar calendar follows the phases of the moon. The start and end of Ramadan are determined by a moon-sighting committee in Saudi Arabia. It begins the day after the committee displays the new crescent moon, which can be tricky because it is quite faint and can only be seen for about 20 minutes. If the moon is not visible to the naked eye due to fog or clouds, lunar calculations are used to predict whether it is present in the sky.


Ramadan was also part of ancient Arabian calendars. The name Ramadan comes from the Arabic root word "Ramada" (رمض), meaning scorching heat. Muslims believe that in 610 AD, the angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and revealed the Quran (القرآن), the Islamic holy book. This revelation, Laylat Al Qadar ليلة القدر, (Night of Power), is believed to have occurred during Ramadan. Muslims fast during this month as a way to commemorate the revelation of the Quran.


During Ramadan, good Muslims should make an effort to grow spiritually and build stronger relationships with God. They do this by praying and reciting the Quran, performing intentional and selfless good deeds, and refraining from gossip, lying, and fighting.

Throughout the month, Muslims must also abstain from drinking and having sexual relations between sunrise and sunset. Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims, except for those who are sick, pregnant, traveling, elderly, or menstruating. Missed days of fasting can be made up throughout the rest of the year, either all at once or on a day-by-day basis.


Meals are opportunities for Muslims to gather with others in the community and break their fast. Suhoor (السحور) is the pre-dawn breakfast, usually taking place at 4:00 a.m., hours before the first prayer of the day. Iftar (الإفطار) is the evening meal and can begin after the sunset prayer, usually around 7:30 a.m.


After the last day of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate its end with Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر), the "festival of breaking the fast," which begins with communal prayers at daybreak. During these three days of festivities, participants gather to pray, eat, exchange gifts, and pay respects to deceased relatives. Some cities also host carnivals and large prayer gatherings.