Ramadan: The Ninth Islamic Month

The Month of Mercy

Ramadan (رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month in Islam. It was during Ramadan that the Quran was first revealed: 'The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion' (Quran 2:185). Fasting during this month is the fourth pillar of Islam.

Spiritual Significance

The Prophet said: 'When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1899). He also said: 'Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven' (Sahih al-Bukhari 38).

Worship in Ramadan

Fasting: Obligatory from dawn to sunset for every able adult Muslim. Tarawih: Voluntary night prayers, performed in congregation after Isha. Umar ibn al-Khattab organized the communal Tarawih. Scholars differ on whether it is 8 or 20 rak'ahs; both are valid positions. Quran recitation: Jibril used to review the entire Quran with the Prophet each Ramadan, and twice in the final year of his life. Many Muslims aim to complete the entire Quran during the month. I'tikaf: Seclusion in the mosque during the last ten days, following the Prophet's consistent practice. Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Decree, better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3), sought in the odd nights of the last ten days.

Zakat al-Fitr

Before Eid al-Fitr prayer, every Muslim must give zakat al-fitr on behalf of themselves and their dependents: one sa' (approximately 2.5-3 kg) of the staple food of the region. It purifies the fasting person from idle speech and provides for the poor on the day of Eid.