Ramadan (The Month of Fasting)
The holy month of fasting, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and is the holiest month for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset) as one of Islam's five pillars.
Fasting (sawm) involves abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs from dawn to sunset. The purpose is to attain taqwa (God-consciousness), to train self-discipline, to empathize with the poor and hungry, and to draw closer to Allah through worship.
Ramadan is also the month in which the Quran was revealed: "The month of Ramadan, in which the Quran was sent down as guidance for mankind" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185). Therefore, special emphasis is placed on Quran recitation and Tarawih prayer during this month.
Fasting hours vary significantly by location — from around 9 hours in winter to up to 19 hours in summer at higher latitudes.
Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) falls within the last ten days of Ramadan and is "better than a thousand months" (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3). Many Muslims intensify their worship during these nights.
Related terms
Salat al-Layl (Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer consisting of 11 rak'ah, highly recommended in Shia Islam.
Waqt (Prayer Time)
The specific time interval within which a prayer must be performed.
Sawm (Fasting)
Islamic fasting from dawn to sunset, closely connected with prayer.
Taqlid (Following a School of Law)
The practice of following a qualified scholar's legal opinions without necessarily knowing the evidence.
Qibla (Prayer Direction)
The direction toward the Kaaba in Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer.
Irsal (Arm Position in Prayer)
The Shia practice of letting the arms hang at the sides during prayer.