Today • Islamic Date -

Next Prayer: London -

Recent Donations -

Muslim Aid Media Centre

Ramadan Facts

Ramadan Facts

Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar, celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, spiritual growth and community. It marks the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is observed through acts of worship, including Sawm (fasting), prayer and charity. The month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days. Among the many interesting facts about Ramadan, its dates vary each year because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. 

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. It is a time of self-purification and heightened spirituality, where individuals focus on strengthening their connection with Allah. Observing Ramadan involves more than just abstaining from food and drink; it is a time to cultivate patience, empathy, and discipline while performing good deeds. An interesting fact about Ramadan is that it is also a month of unity, bringing families and communities together during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast). 

What Does Ramadan Mean?

The word "Ramadan" originates from the Arabic root "ramad," which means scorching heat or dryness. This symbolises the burning away of sins through fasting and sincere worship. Ramadan represents purification, both physical and spiritual, as Muslims strive to become closer to Allah. 

Facts About Ramadan

  1. Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, and fasting during this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. 
  2. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. 
  3. The fast is broken with dates and water, as per the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 
  4. Ramadan encourages acts of charity, prayer, and reflection. 
  5. Special nightly prayers called Tarawih are offered, during which the Quran is often recited in its entirety. 

These Ramadan facts offer insights into why this month is a cornerstone of Islamic life. 

The Definition of Sawm and Why Do We Observe It

Sawm, meaning fasting, is the practice of abstaining from food, drink, and sinful behaviour from dawn to sunset. The purpose of fasting is to cultivate self-restraint, develop empathy for the less fortunate, and grow spiritually. Allah states 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” (Quran 2:183)

Fasting teaches Muslims the value of gratitude and patience, reminding them of their dependence on Allah. 

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact dates change annually, based on the sighting of the crescent moon. It shifts approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. This cycle ensures that Ramadan is experienced across all seasons over time, making it one of the interesting facts about Ramadan. 

What Happens When You Break the Fast?

If a fast is broken unintentionally, such as by forgetting and eating, the fast remains valid, and the individual can continue. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 

"If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully, then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk has been given to him by Allah" (Sahih al-Bukhari). 

However, deliberate breaking of the fast requires making up the missed day (Qadha) and in some cases, performing a compensatory act (Kaffara). 

Who Must Fast?

Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are mentally and physically able. This includes anyone who has reached puberty and is not exempt due to specific reasons. 

Who is Excused from Fasting?

Islam provides exemptions for those who are unable to fast due to genuine reasons, reflecting its compassionate nature. The following groups are excused: 

  • Children: Those who have not yet reached puberty. Learning about Ramadan Facts for kids can help introduce the concept of fasting gradually. 
  • Elderly: Individuals whose health prevents them from fasting. 
  • Pregnant or Nursing Women: If fasting might harm their health or that of their child. 
  • Sick Individuals: Those with temporary or chronic illnesses. 
  • Travellers: People travelling long distances. 
  • Menstruating Women: Women during their menstrual cycle or postnatal bleeding. 

These exemptions highlight the ease and flexibility within Islam while maintaining the spiritual significance of Ramadan. 

Fun Facts About Ramadan

  1. Ramadan is observed by over a billion Muslims worldwide, showcasing the diversity of Islamic cultures. 
  2. Charity is a central theme of Ramadan, with Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) emphasized. 
  3. The Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), believed to fall in the last ten days, is considered better than a thousand months. 
  4. Fasting has been shown to have health benefits, such as improved metabolism and mental clarity. 
  5. During Ramadan, Muslims greet each other with “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem,” meaning "Blessed Ramadan." 

Conclusion

Ramadan is more than a month of fasting; it is a journey of self-reflection, discipline and spiritual renewal. From understanding Ramadan information to observing the fast with sincerity, it is a time for Muslims to draw closer to Allah and embody the principles of Islam. Learning facts on Ramadan and sharing them with others, especially children, enriches the experience of this blessed month. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 

"When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained" (Sahih al-Bukhari). 

This serves as a reminder of the unique opportunities for spiritual growth during Ramadan, making it a time to cherish and honour. 

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr, Zakat, Zakat al-Fitr, Fidya, Kaffarah or Eid ul-Fitr, please contact us and we will be happy to provide guidanc

We are a faith-based British international charity that provides help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, homelessness, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities.

020 7377 4200

Ways to Donate

Donate


  • Living Wage
  • Zakat Policy
  • Registered with

    Fundraising Regulator

Please support us further

Your donation will provide help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, homelessness, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities.