Ramadan: Your questions answered

Muslims around the world are now observing Ramadan. This year, Ramadan began on Tuesday 13 April, and continues for 30 days until Wednesday 12 May or Thursday 13 May.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the Arabic name for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.  It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection and engagement with their community.

Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The pillars are acts in Islam, considered mandatory by believers, and are the foundation of Muslim life.

It commemorates (Islamic prophet) Muhammad's first revelation - when he was visited by the angel Jibrīl, known as Gabriel in English, who revealed to him the beginnings of what would later become the Qur’an.

The month of Ramadan begins with the first sighting of the new moon.  This means the starts and end dates may be different, depending on your location in the world.

This year Saudi Arabia said fasting will begin on 13 April as the new moon was sighted in Mecca on this date, Many Muslims around the world usually accept this date.

What about fasting?

The common practice is to fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the suhur, while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is called iftar.

Fasting is observed by most Muslims, though there are some exceptions, including children, those who are ill (and fasting would affect their health), pregnant women, travellers and menstruating women.

The spiritual rewards (thawab) of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan. Accordingly, some Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also tobacco products and sexual relations. Extra emphasis is placed on reciting the Qur’an during Ramadan.

Worship

During Ramadan, there is a night prayer called Taraweeh at mosques. This is only held during Ramadan.

This year, there are slight changes to places of worship, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.   Mosques in England are asking worshippers to wear a face covering, bring their own prayer mat, and socially distance.

Some mosques are also reducing the length of prayers to minimise the time spent indoors.

What is Eid?

The end of Ramadan is marked with a celebration called Eid al-Fitr ("The breaking of the fast")

Many Muslims attend Eid prayers at a mosque and then enjoy a large meal with friends and family. Eid al-Fitr has a particular salat (Islamic prayer) which can only be performed in congregation.

Believers often exchange money and gifts with each other around Eid.

Although Eid al-Fitr is not a recognised public holiday in the UK, many schools, businesses, and organisations allow for leave to be taken for religious celebrations.

How do you wish someone a Happy Ramadan?

By saying 'Ramadan Kareem' (Have a generous Ramadan), or 'Ramadan Mubarak' which is roughly translated as Happy Ramadan.

At Eid al-Fitr, you can change the greeting to 'Eid Mubarak' which roughly translates to Happy Eid.

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