What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar. It is the month in which the Qur'an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). Fasting during Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam, obligatory upon every sane, adult Muslim who is physically able.
Qur'anic Mandate
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness)." — Al-Baqarah 2:183
Prophetic Promise
"Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, all their previous sins will be forgiven." — Sahih al-Bukhari 38
Virtues of Ramadan
Ramadan Daily Timetable
Times below are approximate and vary by location and date. Always check your local mosque or a reliable prayer-time app for exact timings.
During Ramadan, many Muslims also perform Tarawih prayers after Isha — typically 8 or 20 rak'ahs — aiming to complete the entire Qur'an by the end of the month.
Ramadan Terminology
Understanding key Arabic terms helps you navigate Ramadan with confidence.
Fasting — abstaining from food, drink, and intimacy from dawn to sunset.
The pre-dawn meal eaten before Fajr. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged delaying it.
The meal at sunset that breaks the fast, traditionally begun with dates and water.
The precautionary time (~10 min before Fajr) when one stops eating.
Special voluntary night prayers performed in congregation during Ramadan.
Late-night standing prayer, especially emphasized in the last 10 nights.
The Night of Decree — better than 1,000 months (Qur'an 97:3). Sought in the odd nights of the last 10.
Spiritual retreat in the mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Compensation (feeding a needy person per missed day) for those unable to fast.
Expiation for deliberately breaking a fast without a valid excuse.
Obligatory charity given before Eid prayer — roughly the price of one meal per family member.
The festival celebrating the end of Ramadan, marked by a special prayer and communal joy.
Who is Exempt from Fasting?
What Breaks & Doesn't Break the Fast
✗Breaks the Fast
- Eating or drinking intentionally
- Smoking
- Intentional vomiting
- Sexual intercourse
- Menstruation or post-natal bleeding
- Intravenous nutrition / IV drips
✓Does NOT Break the Fast
- Eating or drinking by genuine forgetfulness
- Rinsing mouth / brushing teeth (without swallowing)
- Using eye or ear drops (majority opinion)
- Unintentional vomiting
- Blood tests / injections (non-nutritional)
- Swallowing one's own saliva
The Last 10 Nights & Laylat al-Qadr
The final third of Ramadan is the spiritual climax. The Prophet ﷺ would tighten his belt (intensify worship), stay awake at night, and wake his family during these nights.
When to Seek It
Laylat al-Qadr falls on one of the odd nights of the last ten: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th. The 27th is commonly emphasized but not confirmed exclusively.
Recommended Du'a
The Prophet ﷺ taught Aisha (RA): "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni" — O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love pardoning, so pardon me.
"Indeed, We sent it (the Qur'an) down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." — Surah al-Qadr 97:1-3
Eid al-Fitr — The Festival of Breaking Fast
On the 1st of Shawwal (the month after Ramadan), Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. It is a day of gratitude, joy, and community.
Explore More