The Islamic calendar’s holiest month is Ramadan.  What is the importance of Ramadan? Muslims observe a month-long fast every year from dawn to sunset.  So why do Muslims fast throughout Ramadan, and why is it such a significant month for them?

According to the Islamic calendar, which is based on the moon’s phases or cycle, Ramadan is the ninth month.  

During the daytime hours of Ramadan, Muslims who are in good health must fast, which entails refraining from eating, drinking, engaging in immoral behavior, and becoming irate.  Muslims view Ramadan as a time for devotion and piety, a chance to draw nearer to God.

Importance of Ramadan

One of the holiest months of the year for Muslims is Ramadan.  The importance of Ramadan for Muslims: Muslims celebrate the revelation of the Qur’an during Ramadan and abstain from food and liquids during daylight hours to become closer to God and develop self-control, thankfulness, and empathy for the less fortunate.  

Muslims spend more time reading the Qur’an and offering special prayers throughout Ramadan, a month of intense spiritual renewal with a greater emphasis on devotion.  Fasting is not required of those who are unable to do so, such as youngsters and the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, and the sick.

What is the date of Ramadan?

The Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year with around 354 days, has Ramadan as its ninth month.  Each lunar month occurs 11 days early every year due to the lunar year being 11 days shorter than the solar year.  The lunar months take 33 solar years to cycle through and return to the same season.  

Traditionally, the sighting of the new moon marks the start and finish of the month.  However, a lot of Muslims now observe a predetermined day that is based on astronomical calculations.  See our Calendar of Important Islamic Dates to find out when Ramadan begins and ends this year.

What is the importance of Ramadan, and what makes Ramadan so unique?

The importance of Ramadan is the sacred scripture of Islam, the Qur’an, which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the month of Ramadan in A.D. 610 by the angel Jibreel (Gabriel).  Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Power, is the name given to the moment of revelation, which is accorded particular significance.

Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan to remember the revelation of the Qur’an, to strengthen their relationship with God, and to become more spiritual.  They do this by refraining from lying, gossiping, and fighting, as well as by fasting, praying, reciting the Qur’an, and acting with selflessness and purpose.

What is fasting exactly?

First and foremost, avoiding certain foods or beverages, especially as a religious observance, is the most widely accepted definition of fasting.  

In theory, this description describes the practice of fasting, but it falls short of capturing the richness and complexity of the idea.  The fact that fasting is included in many global religions shows that its application goes well beyond just refraining from food and liquids.  

Throughout history, fasting has also been utilized as a kind of protest against alleged violations of political, social, or ethical principles.

For instance, fasting was frequently a successful and well-publicized strategy used by Mahatma Gandhi to apply moral pressure on his political rivals.  However, global religions typically view fasting mainly as a means of spiritual development, moral training, and introspection.

Who Is Fasting and must know the importance of Ramadan?

Fasting is required of all Muslims who have attained puberty.  However, those who would find fasting difficult are not required to fast.  This covers anybody who is unwell or on the road, pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating, as well as elderly individuals who are too frail or sickly to fast.  

Except for individuals who are unable to fast because of age or a severe condition, they should make up the fast later.  For each day they omit from fasting, they may instead feed a destitute person.

It is common for children to engage in restricted or symbolic fasting, such as fasting half days or on weekends, starting around the age of seven, even though they are not obligated to do so until they reach puberty.  

This helps to foster a sense of inclusivity during the month-long observance and progressively trains them.  Children who are fasting for the first time during Ramadan or on their first full day are frequently given extra attention at mosques.

Family Customs

The importance of Ramadan for Family Customs A Muslim household typically eats suhur, a simple breakfast-like meal, before sunrise.  

Following the meal, the family does the morning prayer and, depending on the situation, either starts the day or goes back to sleep.  People frequently snooze in the late afternoon after work or school, especially during the long summer months.  

Family members break the fast around sundown with water and a few dates, along with other light fare like soup, appetizers, or fruit, according to other cultures.  This is known as “breaking the fast,” or “iftar.”  

The family has dinner after doing the evening prayers.  During Ramadan, it’s extremely popular to invite people to break the fast or to have iftar in someone else’s residence.  

Particular Activities

The importance of Ramadan for Muslims here is related to particular activities. Muslims can break their fast together during the daily communal feasts held in many mosques.  For the impoverished, students, and anybody else who wants to take a vacation from cooking, this is an excellent service.  On the weekends, a lot of mosques also have communal dinners.

Most mosques have Taraweeh, special Ramadan prayers, following the night prayer.  To have the complete Qur’an recited before the end of the month, the prayer leader recites at least one-thirtieth of it at Taraweeh.

Many mosques host food drives or charity fundraisers during Ramadan because it is a time for Muslims to be particularly giving and because fasting enables Muslims to feel compassion for the underprivileged and hungry.  

Read More: Muslim fasting rules: Important FAQs

At the end of the fasting day, many mosques also have open homes where their neighbors and friends of all religions can join them for iftar, or fast-breaking supper.

Though it is most commonly commemorated on the 27th night of Ramadan, the Night of Power, also known as Lailat al-Qadr, is said to occur on one of the odd evenings during the final 10 days of Ramadan.  

Particular Foods

The only purely traditional Ramadan food custom is breaking the fast with water or dates.  Given that dates are an easily digested and concentrated source of energy, it’s fascinating to highlight their appropriateness for this purpose.  There are many Ramadan specialties and sweets in various Muslim-majority nations.