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Every year, Muslims spend one entire

month in daytime fasting. Learn more
about the observance of Ramadan and
the holiday that follows its completion,
Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of FastBreaking).

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month,
Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month,
Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.
A. During the blessed
month of Ramadan,
Muslims all over the
world abstain from food,
drink, and other physical
needs during the daylight
hours. As a time to purify
the soul, refocus
attention on God, and
practice self-sacrifice,
Ramadan is much more
than just not eating and
drinking.
Muslims are called upon
evaluate their lives in
We are to make peace
wronged us, strengthen
friends,

to use this month to relight of Islamic guidance.

with those who have
ties with family and

Do away with bad habits

our lives, our thoughts,
Arabic word for "fasting"
"to refrain" - and it means
food and drink, but from
and words.

-essentially to clean up
and our feelings. The
(sawm) literally means
not only refraining from
evil actions, thoughts,

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained.

The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain
themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything
that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene
words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the
body observes the fast.
Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the
person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice selfrestraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on
the worship of God.

What are the Islamic requirements for fasting during Ramadan?

For the Muslim, the fast of Ramadan has specific regulations and rules (fiqh). Islamic
scholars have outlined the fasting requirements for the general population, and explain
the accommodations that can be made when someone is unable to fast because of
sickness or other health reasons.
While many of the general fasting requirements are the same for everyone, it is best to
consult one of the many detailed fiqh resources for specific rules and special
circumstances. These links give more detailed information on general guidelines and
special cases such as sickness, pregnancy, chronic health problems, and more.

Ramadan Rules & Regulations

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory on every Muslim adult. The Arabic word
sawm is used for fasting. The word sawm (plural siyam) literally means 'to refrain', but as
an Islamic term, it means refraining from food, drinks and sexual activity from dawn to
sunset. Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2-183):
'O you who believe, siyam is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you
so that you may become self-restrained.'
The importance of Siyam in Ramadan is clearly expressed in several sayings of the
Prophet (S.A.W.). It is reported by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said:
'He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his
past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeks his

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reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al- Qadr in
prayer with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.'
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Fasting in Ramadan is practiced by Muslims all over the world. The most significant
aspect of Siyam is the development of Allah-consciousness (Taqwa) in the heart and the
soul of a fasting Muslim. One must abstain from immoral behavior and attitude as well.
Refraining from food and such is essential during fast but it is not sufficient. The Prophet
of Allah is reported to have said:
'If one does not abandon falsehood in words and deeds, Allah has no need for his
abandoning of his food and drink.'(Al-Bukhari)
WHO IS EXEMPT FROM SAWM?
Fasting is mandatory on every Muslim who is sane, adult, able and resident. The
following exemptions apply:

The insane;
Children who are not adolescent yet;
The elderly and chronically ill for whom fasting is unreasonably strenuous; such
persons are required to feed at least one poor person every day in Ramadan for
which he or she has missed fasting.
Pregnant women and nursing may postpone the fasting at a later time;
The ill and the travelers can also defer their fasting.
Allah says in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah:
'But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up by
days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to
difficulties.'
Women during the period of menstruation or of post childbirth confinement.
Fasting during these periods is forbidden and should be made up later, a day for a
day.

DURATION OF SAWM:
Fasting starts everyday in Ramadan at the break of dawn, which is also the start of the
Salatul Fajr time. Fasting ends at sunset or with the call of Salatul Maghrib.

VALIDITY OF FASTING:
The validity of fasting depends on the following:
Abstaining from food, liquids and sexual activity from dawn to sunset.
The intention to fast must be made every day before dawn. The intention (niyyah) may be
made during night before going to sleep or it can also be made at the time of Suhoor

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Suhoor is eating before fasting. It should be as close to Fajr time as possible. Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) says:
'Partake Suhoor, for there is blessing in Suhoor.'(Bukhari, Muslim)
It is desirable to break the fast as soon as possible after sunset. Breaking the fast with
dates or water is a tradition of the Prophet. Following is one of the Du'a for breaking fast:
Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala ridhqika aftartu (O Allah! For You did I fast and with
Your bounties did I break the fast.)
The things which invalidate fast are of two kinds. The first one requires Qada (only
making up missed days), the other one not only requires Qada but also Kaffarah(a
penalty).
The following are the things that require Qada only:
Eating or drinking intentionally. This includes non-nourishing items taken by mouth.
Deliberately causing oneself to throw up.
The beginning of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding even in the last moment before
sunset.
Ejaculation for reasons other than sexual intercourse.
Intending to break the fast before sunset even if one changes his mind, since intention is
one of the pre-requisites of the validity of fasting.
Eating, drinking or having intercourse after dawn on the mistaken assumption that it is
not dawn yet. Similarly, engaging in these acts before Maghrib on the mistaken
assumption that it is already sunset.
Things that not only require Qada but also Kaffarah are the following:
Sexual intercourse during fasting (dawn to dusk). The penalty is to fast an additional
period of 60 continuous days. If one is not able to do so then he must feed sixty poor
people-one average meal each.
Before the days of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), slavery was a common practice in
the Arab world. Islam eliminated slavery from the society in a very short period of time.
A useful approach was to allow people free a slave as a charity or as a penalty for a sin.
Thus during the time of the Prophet (S.A.W.), setting a slave free was the penalty one
must pay as a kaffarah, if he or she had a slave.

What does not break the fast?

If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast, for it is
only Allah who has fed him and given him drink. (A Hadith from Muslim).
Unintentional vomiting.
Swallowing things which are not possible to avoid, such as one's saliva, street dust,
smoke, etc.
Brushing the teeth.
Injection or intra-venous which is solely medical and not nutritional.
Breaking of fast under exceptional conditions:

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Muslims are permitted to break the ordained fast of Ramadan when there is danger to
their health. In this situation a Muslim should make up his fast later at any other time of
the year.
Reference: "Every Day Fiqh" by Maulana Yusuf Islahi, translated by Abdul Aziz Kamal.
COURTESY: Islamic Information & News Network Vol.4 No.43

Taraweeh Prayers in Ramadan

Special prayers are said each evening of the holy month

When the month of Ramadan begins, Muslims enter into a period of discipline and
worship: fasting during the day, and praying throughout the day and night. During
Ramadan, special evening prayers are conducted during which long portions of the
Qur'an are recited. These special prayers are known as taraweeh.
The word taraweeh comes from an Arabic word which means to rest and relax. The
prayer can be very long (well over an hour), during which one stands upright to read from
the Qur'an and performs many cycles of movement (standing, bowing, prostrating,
sitting). After each four cycles, one sits for a brief period of rest before continuing -- this
is where the name taraweeh ("rest prayer") comes from.
During the standing portions of the prayer, long sections of the Qur'an are read. The
Qur'an is divided into equal parts (called juz) for the purpose of reading sections of equal
length during each of the Ramadan nights. Thus, 1/30 of the Qur'an is read on successive
evenings, so that by the end of the month the entire Qur'an has been completed.
It is recommended that Muslims attend the taraweeh prayers in the mosque (after 'Isha,
the last evening prayer), to pray in congregation. This is true for both men and women.
However, one

may also perform the prayers individually at home. These prayers are voluntary, but are
strongly recommended and widely practiced. For more details about the performance of
taraweeh prayers, please see the articles linked at the right.
Saudi Arabia television broadcasts the taraweeh prayers live from Mecca, Saudi Arabia,
now with simultaneous subtitling of the English translation. To watch, please visit the
following sites (tune in at 5:00 pm GMT for the live broadcast):

Helping Others during Ramadan

Ramadan is a special time of year -- a time when Muslims around the world take a step
back from their daily routines and focus on community, charity, fasting, and prayer. Ibn
Abbas described that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most
generous of people, and even more so during the month of Ramadan. Here are some
ideas of what you can do this month to help those around you.
Learn More about Islam
The first step is to learn more about the faith of Islam. Especially during these difficult
times, it is ever important to develop understanding and firm knowledge of what Islam is
and isn't. There are books and videos for all levels -- introductions for those just learning
about the faith, and in-depth studies for those who want to strengthen and deepen their
understanding.
Reach Out to Those around You
Is there a family in your neighborhood that you haven't seen in a while? A student in a
strange new city? A new Muslim who is fasting for the first time? An elderly couple
who can't get to the mosque? Why not take a few minutes to make a phone call, drop in
for a visit, or invite someone to iftar (dinner to break the daily fast). Even the smallest
gesture of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life.
Help Those in Need
All around the world, and even in your own backyard, there are people who are suffering
from illness, hunger, or desperation. "Those who spend their wealth by night and day, in
secret and in public, shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear,
nor shall they grieve" (Qur'an 2:274). "By no means shall you attain righteousness unless
you give freely from that which you love. And whatever you give, Allah knows it well"
(Qur'an 3:92).

Volunteer Your Time

Even more valuable than money is a gift of your time. Is your local mosque hosting iftar
dinners? Why not help with the planning or clean-up? Is a local charity raising funds for
humanitarian aid? Is there a local Islamic school that needs guest teachers?
Pray for Others
"When My servants ask thee about Me, I am indeed close to them. I respond to the
prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me. Let them also, with a will, listen to My
call, and believe in Me, that they may walk in the right way" (Qur'an 2:186). Most
importantly, during this very special month, take the time to pray for others - your family,
youre loved ones, those who are ill, those who live in fear, those who go hungry, those
who walk in darkness. May Allah guide all of us upon the straight path of faith, and help
us to be filled with piety, patience, humility, and kindness.

Leyla al-Qadr: The Night of Power

Al-Qadr (The Night of Power)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
We have indeed revealed this message in the Night of Power.
And what will explain what the Night of Power is?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Therein come down the angels and the spirit, by Allah's permission, on every errand.
Peace! Until the rising of the morn!
Tradition holds that the Night of Power is the night that the first revelation of the Qur'an
was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims are instructed to "seek" the Night of
Power during the last ten days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights (ie. the 23rd,
25th and 27th). It is reported that the Prophet said: "Whoever stays up (in prayer and
remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully believing (in Allah's promise of
reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins." (Bukhari &
Muslim).
Muslims worldwide spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in solid devotion, retreating to
the mosque to read Qur'an (i'tikaf), reciting special supplications (du'a), and reflecting on
the meaning of
Allah's message to us. It is believed to be a time of intense spirituality, when the believers
are surrounded by angels, the gates of heaven are open, and God's blessings and mercy
are abundant.

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The whole month of Ramadan is a time of renewal and reflection. As the month winds to
a close, we pray that the spirit of Ramadan, and the lessons learned during it, last for all
of us throughout the year.
i'tikaf
Definition: A spiritual retreat in the mosque, usually performed during the last ten days of
Ramadan. A person "making i'tikaf" will spend the evening and night in the mosque,
devoting his or her time to worship and reading the Qur'an.
Pronunciation: i'tikaf (' stands for a gutteral stop, an Arabic sound that does not exist in
the English language) (noun)
Example: During the last ten days of Ramadan, many people perform i'tikaf, spending a
whole night in worship in the mosque.
Du'a - - Personal Supplication in Islam
In addition to formal prayers, Muslims "call upon" God throughout the day
In the Qur'an, Allah says: "When My servants ask about Me, I am indeed close to them.
I listen to the prayer of every supplicant, when he calls on Me. Let them also, with a will,
listen to My call, and believe in Me, so that they may walk in the right way" (Qur'an
2:186).
The word du'a in Arabic means "calling" - the act of remembering Allah and calling upon
Him.
Aside from the daily prayers, Muslims are encouraged to call upon Allah for forgiveness,
guidance, and strength throughout the day. Muslims can make these personal
supplications or prayers (du'a) in their own words, in any language, but there are also
recommended examples from the Qur'an and Sunnah. Some samples are found in the
pages linked at right.
Children & Ramadan
Muslim children are not required to fast until they reach the age of maturity (puberty).
However, in many families, younger children enjoy participating and are encouraged to
practice their fasting.
It is common for a younger child to fast for part of a day, or for one day on the weekend,
especially in the shorter winter months. This way, they enjoy the "grown-up" feeling that
they are participating in the special events of the family and community.
It is also common for children to participate in Ramadan in other ways, aside from the
daily fast. They may collect coins or money to donate to the needy, help cook meals for
breaking the day's fast, or read Qur'an with the family in the evening.

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At the end of Ramadan, children are often indulged with gifts of sweets and money on
the day of Eid al-Fitr.
Q. How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious
activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual
renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world
observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).
A. Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the
Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family
and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.
Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a
determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice,
barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate
in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).
On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques
to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational
prayer.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give
gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes
for the holiday.
These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire
3-day period is an official government/school holiday.
Common Greetings for Islamic Holidays
Appropriate words to congratulate Muslims on their holidays
Muslims observe two major holidays: Eid al-Fitr (at the end of the annual fasting month
of Ramadan), and Eid al-Adha (at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca). During
these times, Muslims give thanks to Allah for His bounty and mercy, celebrate the holy
days, and wish each other well. While appropriate words in any language are welcome,
there are some traditional or common
Arabic greetings that one may use or come across:
"Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!"
("May every year find you in good health!")
"Eid Mubarak!"
("Blessed Eid!")

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"Eid Saeed!"
("Happy Eid!")
"Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum."
("May Allah accept from us, and from you."?)

Ramadan Glossary
Allah
Definition: Literally "The God." There is no plural, masculine or feminine forms of this
word in Arabic. This denotes the One True God, the Almighty Creator, Who is neither
male nor female.
Pronunciation: All-ah (proper noun)
1 "Adhan"
Definition: (noun) the Islamic call to prayer
To hear what the adhan sounds like, please visit one of the audio links to the right.
Pronunciation: Athan where "th" is as in the English word "the"
Alternate Spellings: azan, athan
Examples: When the adhan was called, the Muslims went to the masjed for prayer.
2 A.H.
Definition: "Anno Hegirae" or "After Hijrah." Hijrah means "emigration." The Islamic
calendar starts from the day the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, emigrated
(made hijrah) from the cit of Makkah to the city of Madinah in 622 A.D.
Example: The year 2003 A.D. corresponds to the year 1423-1424 A.H.
3 Alhamdulillah
Definition: A phrase that Muslims often use in conversation, meaning "Praise be to
Allah."
Pronunciation: al-ham-doo-li-lah (phrase)
Example: "I got an A on my exam, alhamdulillah!"
Alternate Spellings: al-hamdilillah, al-hamdulillah
4 Assalamu alaikum
Definition: A common greeting among Muslims meaning "Peace be with you." Extended
forms include "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (May the peace and mercy of Allah
be with you) and

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"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh" (May the peace, mercy, and blessings
of Allah be with you).
Pronunciation: as-salam-u-alay-koom (phrase)
Alternate Spellings: salaam alaykum, assalaam alaykum, assalaam alaikum, and others
5 Eid
Definition: "Festival," one of the two Islamic holidays
Pronunciation: eed (noun)
Also Known As: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha
Example: During the last few days of Ramadan, children begin to anticipate the
celebration of Eid.
Alternate Spellings: Id, 'Id, 'Eid
6 Eid al-Fitr
Definition: "Festival of Fast-Breaking," an Islamic holiday that falls at the end of
Ramadan
Pronunciation: eed al fitter (noun)
Also Known As: Eid
Example: On the morning of Eid al-Fitr, we go to the mosque to pray, give in charity, and
celebrate the completion of the fast of Ramadan.
Alternate Spellings: Id al-Fitr, Eid ul-Fitr, 'Id, 'Eid
7 Eid Mubarak!"
Definition: A phrase of greetings said among Muslims to congratulate each other on
holidays. It literally means, "Blessed Festival!" The appropriate answer is, "Allah
yubarak feek!" (May Allah bless it for you also?)
Pronunciation: eed moo-bar-ak (phrase)
Example: A U.S. postage stamp commemorating the Muslim holidays reads "Eid
Mubarak" in both English and Arabic script.
Alternate Spellings: Id Mubarak, 'Eid Mubarak

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Definition: A phrase of greetings said among Muslims to congratulate each other on

holidays. It literally means, "Blessed Festival!" The appropriate answer is, "Allah
yubarak feek!" (May Allah bless it for you also!)
Pronunciation: eed moo-bar-ak (phrase)
Example: A U.S. postage stamp commemorating the Muslim holidays reads "Eid
Mubarak" in both English and Arabic script.
8 Hilal
Definition: The very slight crescent moon that is first visible after a new moon. Muslims
look for the hilal when determining the beginning and end of Islamic months.
Pronunciation: hi-lal (noun)
Example: As Ramadan approached, Muslims began searching the night sky for the hilal
which marks the beginning of the month.
9 Definition: The very slight crescent moon that is first visible after a new moon.
Muslims look for the hilal when determining the beginning and end of Islamic months.
Pronunciation: hi-lal (noun)
Example: As Ramadan approached, Muslims began searching the night sky for the hilal
which marks the beginning of the month.
9 Fajr
Definition: One of the five daily Islamic prayers, performed before the break of dawn
Pronunciation: fah-jar (noun)
Also Known As: salaat-l-fajr
Example: During Ramadan, Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal before fajr.
10 Iftar
Definition: A meal served at the end of the day during Ramadan, to break the day's fast.
Literally, "breakfast."

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Pronunciation: if-tar (noun)

Also Known As: fitoor
Examples: During Ramadan, we sometimes go to the mosque to have iftar, breaking the
days fast with a community meal.
11 I'tikaf
Definition: A spiritual retreat in the mosque, usually performed during the last ten days of
Ramadan. A person "making i'tikaf" will spend the evening and night in the mosque,
devoting his or her time to worship and reading the Qur'an.
Pronunciation: i'tikaf (' stands for a gutteral stop, an Arabic sound that does not exist in
the English language) (noun)
Example: During the last ten days of Ramadan, many people perform i'tikaf, spending a
whole night in worship in the mosque.
12 Juz
Definition: A section of the Qur'an equal to 1/30 of the text. During Ramadan, one
section is read each day during taraweeh prayers, so that by the end of the month, the
entire Qur'an has been read through once.
Pronunciation: jooz (noun)
Example: During each day of Ramadan, we read one juz of the Qur'an.
13 Leyla al-Qadr
Definition: "The Night of Power" - a special night that falls during the last ten days of
Ramadan. It commemorates the night when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed
to Muhammad, peace be upon him. Leyla al-Qadr is said to fall on one of the oddnumbered nights of the last ten days of the month (21st, 23rd, 25th, or 27th of Ramadan).
The Qur'an describes it as a night that is more valuable than a thousand months. For this
reason, many Muslims spend the entire last ten days in extra worship or retreat in the
mosque.
Pronunciation: layla-tul-qader (noun)
Also Known As: The Night of Power

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Examples: Leyla al-Qadr is a very special night of Ramadan, commemorating the first
revelation of the Qur'an given to Muhammad.
Alternate Spellings: leylatulqadr, leyla-tul-qadr, layla al-qadr, others
14 Maghrib
Definition: One of the five daily Islamic prayers, performed just after sunset
Pronunciation: mah<gh>rib (the <gh> sound is a blend that does not exist in English)
(noun)
Also Known As: salaat-l-maghrib
Examples: During Ramadan, Muslims break each day's fast at Maghrib.
Alternate Spellings: Maghreb
15 Masjed
Definition: Mosque; a Muslim house of worship. Literally means "place of prostration"
(in prayer).
Pronunciation: mas-jid (noun)
Examples: During Ramadan, Muslims spend a lot of time at the masjed for special
prayers and community events.
Alternate Spellings: masjid
16 Quran
Definition: Islam's holy book; Allah's final revelation
Pronunciation: koor-an (noun)
Example: Every day during prayer, Muslims recite passages from the Qur'an.
Alternate Spellings: quran, Koran
17 Ramadan
Definition: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims spend the
daylight hours in a complete fast
Pronunciation: rom-a-don (noun)

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Example: During Ramadan, Muslims fast and spend extra time in devotion and prayer.
Alternate Spellings: Ramadhan
18 Sadaqah
Definition: Charitable giving, or the money given in charity
Pronunciation: sod-a-ka (noun)
Example: During Ramadan, Muslims give a lot of sadaqah to help those in need.
Alternate Spellings: Sadaqa
19 Sadaqah al-Fitr
Definition: An amount given in charity to the poor at the end of Ramadan, to ensure that
everyone has enough to eat during Eid al-Fitr. This amount is traditionally paid in food
goods (rice, barley, flour, dates, etc.), collected locally, and distributed before the
Morning Prayer on the day of Eid.
Pronunciation: sod-a-kal-fitter (noun)
20 Zakat
Definition: Special evening prayers performed during Ramadan. During each night's
prayer, one juz (1/30) of the Qur'an will be recited, so that by the end of the month the
entire Qur'an will have been read.
Pronunciation: tar-a-wee (noun)
21 Sawm
Definition: Fasting. As practiced in Islam, this means a complete fast: no food or drink at
all during the daylight hours. Married Muslims refrain from intimacy as well, and all
those fasting are to steer away from anger, bad language, and bad deeds. The fasting
person's complete attention is to be on worship and devotion to God.
Pronunciation: sawm (noun)
Alternate Spellings: siyam

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22 Suhoor
Definition: A small meal traditionally eaten before dawn during Ramadan; the final meal
before the day's fast begins.
Pronunciation: soo-hoor (noun)
Example: During Ramadan, Yasmeen wakes up before dawn, has some eggs and toast for
soo-hoor, and then prays salaat-l-fajr. She then will fast for the whole day, until she has
iftar just after sunset.

THIS BOOKLET IS DEDICATED TO THE

LOVING MEMORY OF MY PARENTS
May Allah Grant Him Jannah!