Ramadan is the month of fasting (soum), which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting in Ramadan is fardh (compulsory) for all eligible Muslims.While fasting is not unique to Islam, fasting for the whole month of Ramadan continuously is a religious practice that is not followed by any other religion.
Fasting purifies the heart and soul and strengthens the faith. It is the month of training one's spiritual endurance. The month-long fasting routine in Ramadan facilitates and enhances this process. It is a blessed month which has a profound impact on our lives. Ramadan is also known as the month of the Quran, which was revealed in this month, as mentioned in the 185th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah which makes it even more important for the Muslims. The verse is:
Translation - Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was sent down
In this section, you will find all things related to Ramadan. You will find the Ramadan Timings for the entire month for your current location. You can also search the Sahoor and Iftar timings for any other location across the globe. Moreover, download the complete Ramadan schedule for your preferred location. Additionally, you can search and read various duas that are relevant to this blessed month.
Fasting is one of the five basic elements of Islam. Fasting during Ramadan is compulsory for every adult Muslim, man or woman. A fast starts at the dawn and ends at the sunset. One has to abstain from drinking, eating, and sexual activities during this time. Fasting was made obligatory in the second year after the migration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Mecca to Medina, per the 183rd verse of Surah Al-Baqarah.
Translation - O believers, fasting is enjoined on you as it was on those before you so that you might become righteous.
As a general rule, Islam does not impose on anyone something beyond his capacity, as mentioned in the first part of the 286th verse of surah Al-Baqarah:
Translation - God does not burden a soul beyond capacity
Hence relaxation is available for those who cannot fast due to health, travel, or any other valid reason. Abstinence from eating and drinking for the whole day might not be easy for people who are sick or are traveling. A person who travels 50 miles away from his place falls under the category of a "traveler" for this purpose. 184th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah explains this relaxation as under.
Translation - Fast a (fixed) number of days, but if someone is ill or is traveling (he should complete) the number of days (he had missed); and those who find it hard to fast should expiate by feeding a poor person. For the good they do with a little hardship is better for men. And if you fast, it is good for you, if you knew.
So, anyone falling under the above category is exempted from compulsory fasting. But they will have to make up the missed fasting days later on, preferably before the next Ramadan. However, if they are still unable to fast due to any valid reason, they may opt for penance for not keeping a fardh fast, which is to feed those who cannot afford food as prescribed in the above-referred verse of the Quran.
Apart from these general exemptions, some other exceptions allow one to skip fasting during Ramadan. These are:
Women have to undergo some natural phases in life where they are exempted from compulsory fasting during Ramadan. So, the women are not required to fast during the following phases of their lives. These are:
Being a religious duty and a unique type of worship, fasting in Ramadan is full of spiritual benefits. Some of the spiritual benefits are as under.
Suhoor and Iftar are the two essentials of fasting in Ramadan. Suhoor is the meal taken before Fajr Prayers and is also known as the "pre-dawn meal." Likewise, Iftar is taken at sunset time to break the fast. Both these meals are very important and must-have meals for the fast to complete.
As we know, Fasting has been an old tradition, even before the Islamic era, as mentioned in the 183rd verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, narrated above. But one thing that differentiates the Muslim way of fasting, from the previous Ummahs is eating Suhoor. Hadith 2166 of Sunan An-Nasai narrates it as under.
Translate - The Messenger of Allah said: 'The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the Book is eating Sahur."
Eating Suhoor is not only a Sunnah, but it is also categorically advised by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to take Suhoor, as it carries blessings, as mentioned in Hadith number 1692 of Sunan Ibn Majah:
Translation - Eat Suhur, for in Suhur, there is a blessing
The permissible Suhoor time is clearly defined in the 187th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah. It also defines the time of Iftar. The hadith states:
Translation of the relevant part of the verse - Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears clear from the dark line, then fast until the night falls
The best time to take Suhoor meals is as close to the Fajr time as possible. It is also a Sunnah to take Suhoor as late as possible. Hadith 1921 of Sahi Al-Bukhari narrates it.
Translation - Zaid bin Thabit said, "We took the Suhur with the Prophet (ﷺ). Then he stood for the prayer." I asked, "What was the interval between the Suhur and the Adhan?" He replied, "The interval was sufficient to recite fifty verses of the Qur'an."
Just like the Suhoor, Iftar also carries huge blessings. The time to break the fast (Iftar) is mentioned in the above referred Quranic verse as "until the night falls." It means the Iftar time starts at sunset or Maghrib Prayers. Breaking the fast as early as possible is also a Sunnah, as mentioned in the Hadith 1098a of Sahih Al-Muslim:
Translation - The people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast.
From the medical point of view, Suhoor should comprise healthy foods that may keep you energetic throughout the day, till the time of Iftar. Similarly, a sufficient amount of water should also be a part of the Suhoor, so that you may not get thirsty during the day. Light food with a low number of spices is the best choice for pre-dawn meals.
The Iftar is equally important. It is the time when you might be feeling thirsty and hungry. So, the Iftar meals need careful selection. Even more care is required when it comes to the quantity of the meals. Eating too much at this time is harmful to your health. So, light food is recommended at this time, as well.
The Sunnah for the Iftar, as we all know, is eating a couple of fresh dates and a few sips of water. Hadith 696 of Jami At-Tirmidhi narrates this Sunnah.
Translation - The Messenger of Allah would break the fast with fresh dates before performing Salat. If there were no fresh dates, then (he would break the fast) with dried dates, and if there were no dried dates, then he would take a few sips of water.
Hence, we should always try following the Sunnah. Arranging a lavish Iftar Dinner might be a good cultural tradition but following the Sunnah is more important and carries huge benefits.
Taraweeh Prayers are graded as Sunnah-Mu'akkadah or "highly emphasized Sunnah" by the majority of the Scholars, whereas some think that these are Nafl or Optional prayers. Taraweeh (night prayers) are offered during the nights of the month of Ramadan, after the Isha Prayers. Qayam ul Layl is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as mentioned in Hadith 2008 of Sahih Al-Bukhari. Taraweeh was initiated in the 2nd Caliph's time, and it has been continued to date as it is considered a highly recommended act.
Translation - Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying regarding Ramadan, "Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.
Another Hadith, quoted in Sunan An-Nasai at serial number 5027 narrates the blessings of Taraweeh Prayers as under.
Translation - the Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: "Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.
Hence, the importance of Taraweeh Prayers is not only following a Sunnah but also carries huge rewards.
There are different opinions amongst the Islamic Scholars about the number of Rak'ahs to be offered in the Taraweeh Prayers. The majority of the scholars are of the opinion that the Taraweeh Prayers comprises 20 Rak’ahs.
In the earlier days, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to lead the Taraweeh Prayers in the congregation. After some time, he discontinued this practice and started offering prayers at home. It is believed that this was done by him to avoid the perception amongst his followers that offering Taraweeh is compulsory. Later on, the second Caliph, Hadrat Umer, started the practice of offering 20 Rak'ahs of Taraweeh Prayers in the Mosque congregation. Since then, the majority of Muslims have followed this practice. Some scholars and factions of Islam believe that 8 and 16 Rak'ahs of Taraweeh are also okay.
It is a strong tradition across the Muslim world to recite the entire Quran in the Taraweeh Prayers during Ramadan. The recitation of the Quran is managed in a way that all the 30 Juzz are completed on the 29th of Ramadan. While the majority of the Mosques follow this practice of completing the Quran Recitation on the 29th of Ramadan, some of the Mosques manage it on the 27th of Ramadan, considering it as the Laylatul Qadr.
To ensure correct recitation of the Quran, the task is assigned to an authenticated Hafiz-e-Quran (the one who has memorized the entire Quran). To further ensure the correctness of the recitation, a couple more Hafiz-e-Quran are assigned the job of "Listeners." They carefully listen to the recitation to ensure that it goes without an error or omission.
In some mosques, especially in the South Asian Countries, a unique tradition is also in practice. They complete the recitation of all the 30 Juzz of the Quran in three nights, the 27th, 28th, and 29th of Ramadan. 10 Juzz are recited in one night thus completing the entire Quran in three consecutive nights. This is commonly referred to as "Shabina". It is started right after the Isha Prayers and is completed just before the Suhoor time. Despite being a tough ask, these Shabinas are attended by hundreds of devoted Muslims.
Though it is not a compulsion, it is all done by the Muslims as a gesture of their love and respect for the Holy Book Quran.
The Taraweeh Prayers are offered in sets of two Rak'ahs each, thus completing 20 Rak'ahs in 10 sets, followed by the Witr. This was advised by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as reported in Hadith 472 of Sahih Al-Bukhari.
Translation – Ibn `Umar said, "While the Prophet (ﷺ) was on the pulpit, a man asked him how to offer the night prayers. He replied, 'Pray two rak'at at a time and then two and then two and so on, and if you are afraid of the dawn (the approach of the time of the Fajr prayer), pray one rak'a and that will be the witr for all the rak'at which you have offered." Ibn `Umar said, "The last rak'at of the night prayer should be odd, for the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered it to be so.
One of the most liked and rewarded worship during Ramadan is the recitation of the Quran. Recitation of the Quran during Ramadan is considered the best use of time while fasting. It prevents evil thoughts and emotions, and the reciter remains focused on his worship. It also prevents the desire to eat or drink and provides inner satisfaction and courage to beat hunger and thirst. Apart from listening to the Quranic recitation during the Taraweeh Prayers, reciting the Quran yourself during the day or night of the month of Ramadan brings a lot of blessings. This act will not only protect you from sinning but will also be a rich source of forgiveness for the previous sins.
The Quran section of "Muslim and Quran" is the best place to recite the Quran, with translation in your preferred language. You can navigate to your desired Juzz, Surah, or any particular verse of the Quran. Translations by renowned scholars in different languages can also be selected per your preference. You can read the Quran on your laptop or desktop computer with ease and comfort in your home, whereas the Mobile Application provides you the extra facility to recite the Quran on the go, anywhere, anytime. This helps you make it a habit to recite the Quran so often and add it to your daily routine during and after the month of Ramadan.
So, download the Muslim and Quran mobile app on your mobile devices, whether Android or iOS operating. Sign up and log in to get the best of the best services on our website as well as a mobile application.
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, whereas the Zakat Al-Fitr or Fitrah or Fitrana is something else and should not be confused with the Zakat.
Also referred to as Zakat Al-mal is one of the five basic elements of Islam. It is a sort of compulsory charity or donation. Everyone who possesses wealth beyond the prescribed limits (Nisaab) is bound to give Zakat. Here are some quick facts about Zakat.
Who is eligible to receive Zakat?
Fitrah or Fitrana, or Zakat Al-Fitar, is yet another obligatory donation, other than the Zakat. Firtah is payable by the head of the family during the month of Ramadan but before the Eid-ul-Fitar Prayers. Hadith 1506 of Sahi Al-Bukhari describes the amount of Zakat Al-Fitar.
Translation - Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri: We used to give one Sa' of meal or one Sa' of barley or one Sa' of dates, or one Sa' of cottage cheese or one Sa' of Raisins (dried grapes) as Zakat-ul-Fitr.
Sa is the traditional Arabic measurement of food items. One Sa is equal to 4 Madd (madd is equal to the food items one can scoop in his two hands together).
Here are some quick facts on this important subject:
Apart from being a compulsory Charity in Islam, both Zakat and Zakat Al Fitr are also our social responsibility towards the community. The poorer segment of the community, especially those in our close vicinity, deserve financial assistance. Zakat and Fitrah are the best Islamic way of helping them. So, look for such needy people around you and spend your Zakat and Fitrah on them. Otherwise, you can donate to trustworthy charitable organizations.
The Official website and mobile application of Muslims and the Quran allow you to calculate the payable amount of Zakat easily. Click here to access our most accurate Zakat Calculator. Here, you will find all the relevant information and guidelines on Zakat calculation and an easy-to-use online Zakat calculator. Just add the relevant information and get the exact and accurate amount of Zakat payable by you.
Charity is an act highly recommended and urged by Islam. 261st verse of Surah Al-Baqarah speaks about the status of those who donate:
Translation - The semblance of those who expend their wealth in the way of God is that of a grain of corn from which grow seven ears, each ear containing a hundred grains. Truly, God increases for whomsoever He will, for God is infinite and all-wise.
Similarly, in the 134th verse of Surah Ali-Imran, it is narrated that Allah loves those who donate:
Translation - Who expend both in joy and tribulation, who suppress their anger and pardon their fellowmen; and God loves those who are upright and do good,
Hence charity and community service are an essential part of an Islamic society. Ramadan is considered to be the best time to give charity. Charity or donations in the month of Ramadan include giving Zakat and Fitrah. But the charity does not end with these obligatory acts in Ramadan. Muslims are expected to donate heavily and generously during Ramadan, as this is the right time to help the needy.
Similarly, community service is equally important in Islam, especially in the month of Ramadan. The Charity and Community Service during Ramadan may include:
Fasting is quite a demanding task. One has to abstain from eating and drinking for the entire day, from dawn to dusk. It is not an easy task, especially for people living in relatively hot zones. Even for the colder areas, it does show its impact on the overall energy levels of an individual.
So, what to do to keep yourself healthy and energetic enough to go through your daily routine work while fasting? Here are some useful tips for maintaining your energy and health condition during the month of Ramadan.
Eid Al-Fitr (عيد الفطر) is the culmination of the month of Ramadan. Celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal, this Eid is a reward for all Muslims for fasting during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a highly blessed month, during which we observe consecutive fasting for the whole month. Its rewards are countless, Eid Al-Fitr is one of those. The day of Eid is also highly blessed. It is one of the few days that are exempted from optional fasting; you are not allowed to fast on this day. The 1st day of the Islamic month of Shawwal is celebrated as Eid. After a month-long exercise of fasting, this day is observed as a festive but religious event. Muslims are urged to celebrate this day but in conformity with the religious parameters.
Eid day is subject to the sighting of the Shawwal moon. The first and foremost religious obligation on this occasion is to pay Zakat Al-Fitr or Fitrah. It needs to be done within the month of Ramadan but can be paid on the Eid day before going for the Eid Prayer.
Once the Fitrah has been paid for each of the family members, dependent on you, it is now time to go for the Eid Prayer. But before that, you must fulfill the Sunnah of eating something sweet. The Eid Prayer comprises two Rakahs and is preferably performed in congregations in an open place. However, if that is not possible due to any reason, the Eid Prayer can also be performed in Mosques.
After the Eid Prayers, it is a beautiful tradition of greeting others by saying "Eid Mubarak." Thereafter, you are free to celebrate Eid Day with your family, friends, and community. But being a Muslim, never forget to perform your daily routine worship and five regular prayers.
Being a day of celebrations and joy, Eid is celebrated in almost every part of the world. However, the scope of celebrations might be limited in those parts of the world where Muslims are in the minority and Eid is not celebrated as a national event.
While the basic concept of celebrations in Islam remains the same, as prescribed in the Islamic teachings, the local cultural traits are also reflected in Eid celebrations in different parts of the world. So, Eid is celebrated in traditional style in various parts of the world, but some traditions are common everywhere, such as:
Preparing for Eid Celebrations traditionally starts in the second half of Ramadan and continues till the last day. Once the Shawwal moon is sighted, the preparations touch the peak. In some areas, markets would remain open for the whole night.
The preparations for Eid include buying new dresses, especially for the women and kids. Kids are even more thrilled about this occasion. Families also plan to make their favorite dishes for Eid Day. Families also exchange visits to each other's homes starting from the first day of Eid, which may continue till the 2nd or 3rd day.
Celebrate this Eid with Muslims and Quran. Visit our website to see and download several Ramadan and Eid Wishes and Greetings from our Islamic Gallery. Click here for Ramadan Greetings and Wishes. Here, you can select, download, and share Ramadan greetings per your choice. Eid Greetings and Wishes are available here. You can find several different Eid Wishes and Greetings.
