Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad according to Islamic belief. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs. It is a time for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy towards those less fortunate.
1. Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The 5 pillars of Islam are key practices that Muslim’s should follow.
2. Ramadan happens during the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.
It then lasts the whole month.
3. During Ramadan Muslims fast.
Muslims don’t eat or drink anything during the hours of daylight. This is called fasting.
Not all Muslims have to fast. For example if you are pregnant, elderly or unwell you do not need to fast. You should only fast if you feel you are able to safely.
4. The dates of Ramadan change every year.
This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the moon cycle.
5. Muslims have a special meal before and after each day of fasting.
Muslims have a meal at sunrise called Suhoor which means ‘of the dawn’. They then have a meal after sunset called Iftar which means ‘break of the fast’.
6. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a big celebration called ‘Eid ul-Fitr’.
During Eid ul-Fitr Muslims see their family, give gifts and give thanks to their god, Allah.
7. The practice of fasting during Ramadan began in the year 624 CE.
This was 2 years after the start of the Islamic Calendar.
The Prophet Muhammad and his followers would fast to show thanks to God, similar to what Muslims do now.
8. Vimto sales increase during Ramadan.
Even though it might not be traditional many British Muslims enjoy a glass of Vimto when they break their fast – so much so that sales of Vimto increase during Ramadan.
Thirty-five million bottles of Vimto are also sold in the Middle East each year, with a big amount of sales happening during Ramadan.
9. Ramadan remembers the month the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
The Qur’an is the Islamic holy book. The actual night that the Qur’an was revealed is a night known as Lailut ul-Qadr (‘The Night of Power’).
10. During Ramadan you can greet someone by saying “Ramadan Mubarak”.
“Ramadan Mubarak,” means “have a blessed Ramadan.”
