Ramadan: A Complete Guide to the Holy Month of Fasting

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar and the only month mentioned by name in the Quran. Allah says: "The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion." [2:185]

The Virtues of Ramadan

The Prophet ﷺ said: "When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained." Allah multiplies rewards and forgives sins for those who fast with sincere faith and hope of reward.

The Rules of Fasting

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for every adult, sane, capable Muslim. It involves abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from true dawn (Fajr) until sunset. Those with valid excuses — illness, travel, pregnancy, nursing, or old age — may break their fast, but must make up missed days (or pay expiation in certain cases).

Actions that nullify the fast include: intentionally eating or drinking, sexual intercourse, apostasy, and intentionally introducing anything into the body cavity.

Recommended Acts in Ramadan

• Suhoor (pre-dawn meal): "Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing." – The Prophet ﷺ.
• Hastening iftar immediately after sunset.
• Tarawih prayers each night after Isha.
• Recitation of the Quran — the Prophet reviewed the Quran with Jibreel each Ramadan.
• Charity and feeding the fasting: "Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward equal to his." – The Prophet ﷺ.

Itikaf in the Last Ten Nights

Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque) is a confirmed Sunnah in the last ten nights of Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ practiced it every year to devote himself entirely to worship and seek Laylat al-Qadr.

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree)

"Better than a thousand months" — this night falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely the 27th. Angels descend and it is a night of peace until dawn. The best supplication for it: "O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me."

Zakat al-Fitr

An obligatory charity due from every capable Muslim for themselves and their dependents, paid before Eid prayer. The amount is one saa (approximately 2.5 kg) of staple food. Its purpose is to purify the fasting person and provide for the poor on Eid day.