Ramadan

The word Ramadan derives from the Arabic root R-M-Ḍ ({{lang|ar|ر-م-ض|link=}}) "scorching heat",{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10952-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2391.html |title= Sahih Muslim – Book 006 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 2391. |first= Abul-Hussain |last= Muslim-Ibn-Habaj |work= hadithcollection.com |date= 28 June 2009 |access-date= 25 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143146/http://hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10952-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2391.html |archive-date= 12 June 2018 }} which is the Classical Arabic verb "ramiḍa ({{lang|ar|رَمِضَ|link=}})" meaning "become intensely hot – become burning; become scorching; be blazing; be glowing".{{Cite web |title=رمضان.. لماذا سمي الشهر التاسع في التقويم الهجري بهذا الاسم؟ |url=https://www.aljazeera.net/culture/2021/4/15/%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%B3%D9%85%D9%8A-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%B6%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%9F |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=الجزيرة نت |language=ar}}{{Cite web |title=لماذا سمي شهر رمضان بهذا الاسم؟ {{!}} تعلم العربية |url=https://learning.aljazeera.net/en/Blogs/%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%B3%D9%85%D9%8A-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%B6%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%85 |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=learning.aljazeera.net |language=en}}

Ramadan is thought of as one of the names of God in Islam by some, and as such it is reported in many hadiths that it is prohibited to say only "Ramadan" in reference to the calendar month and that it is necessary to say "month of Ramadan", as reported in Sunni,{{cite book |last=Al-Bayhaqi |first=Abu Bakr |title=Sunnan al-Kubra |volume=4 |page=Book 11, Ch. 6, No. 7904 |language=ar |quote=قال رسولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّىٰ اللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: 'لا تَقولوا «رَمَضَانُ»، فإِنَّ رَمَضانَ اسمٌ مِن أسماءِ اللَّهِ، ولَكِن قولوا «شَهرُ رَمَضانَ».' وهَكَذا رَواه الحارِثُ بنُ عبدِ اللَّهِ الخازِنُ عن أبي مَعشَرٍ. وأبو مَعشَرٍ هو نَجيحٌ السِّندِىُّ، ضَعَّفَه يَحيَى بنُ مَعين}}{{cite book |last=Al-Tabari |first=Muhammad ibn Jarir |title=Tafsir al-Tabari |language=ar |volume =3|page=187 |quote=أَنَّهُ كَرِهَ أَنْ يُقَالُ «رَمَضَانَ»، وَيَقُولُ: لَعَلَّهُ اسْمٌ مِنْ أَسْمَاءِ اللَّٰهِ، لَٰكِنَّ نَقُولُ كَمَا قَالَ اللَّٰهُ: «شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ» }}{{cite book |last=Al-Razi |first=Fakhr al-Din |title=Tafsir al-Kabir |language=ar |volume=5|page= 251 |quote=عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّىٰ اللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ: لَا تَقُولُوا۟ «جَاءَ رَمَضَانُ» وَ«ذَهَبَ رَمَضَانُ» وَلَٰكِنْ قُولُوا۟ «جَاءَ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ» وَ«ذَهَبَ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ» فَإِنَّ رَمَضَانَ اسْمٌ مِنْ أَسْمَاءِ اللَّٰهِ تَعَالَىٰ. }}{{cite book |last=Ibn Abu Hatim |first=Abdul Rahman |title=Tafsir Ibn Abu Hatim |language=ar|volume =1 |page= 310, Nu. 1648 |quote=لَا تَقُولُوا۟ «رَمَضَانُ»، فَإِنَّ رَمَضَانَ اسْمٌ مِنْ أَسْمَاءِ اللَّٰهِ، وَلَٰكِنْ قُولُوا۟ «شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ» }}{{cite book |last=Al-Dimashqi |first=Tamam |title=Fawa'id al-Tamam |language=ar |volume=1|page= 104, Nu. 241 |quote=قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّٰهِ صَلَّىٰ اللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: لَا يَقُولَنَّ أَحَدُكُمْ «صُمْتُ رَمَضَانَ»، وَ«قُمْتُ رَمَضَانَ»، وَلَا «صَنَعْتُ فِي رَمَضَانَ كَذَا وَكَذَا»، فَإِنَّ رَمَضَانَ اسْمٌ مِنْ أَسْمَاءِ اللَّٰهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ الْعِظَامِ، وَلَٰكِنْ قُولُوا۟ «شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ» كَمَا قَالَ رَبُّكُمْ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِي كِتَابِهِ }}{{cite book |last=Ibn al-Saqri |first=Abu Tahir |title=Mashyakhah |language=ar |volume =1|page= 126, Nu. 52 |quote=عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّٰهِ مَا مَعْنَىٰ رَمَضَانَ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّٰهِ صَلَّىٰ اللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: يَا حُمَيْرَاءُ لَا تَقُولِي «رَمَضَانُ» فَإِنَّهُ اسْمٌ مِنْ أَسْمَاءِ اللَّٰهِ وَلَٰكِنْ قُولِي «شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ» يَعْنِي رَمَضَانَ أَرْمَضَ فِيهِ ذُنُوبَ عِبَادِهِ فَغَفَرَهَا }} Shia{{cite book |last=Al-Kulayni |first=Muhammad ibn Ya'qub |title=Al-Kafi |language=ar |page=Book 14 (the Book of Fasting), Ch. 4 |quote=قَالَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ): لَا تَقُولُوا۟ «هَٰذَا رَمَضَانُ» وَلَا «ذَهَبَ رَمَضَانُ» وَلَا «جَاءَ رَمَضَانُ» فَإِنَّ رَمَضَانَ اسْمٌ مِنْ أَسْمَاءِ اللَّٰهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَا يَجِيءُ وَلَا يَذْهَبُ وَإِنَّمَا يَجِيءُ وَيَذْهَبُ الزَّائِلُ وَلَٰكِنْ قُولُوا۟ «شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ» فَإِنَّ الشَّهْرَ مُضَافٌ إِلَىٰ الْاسْمِ وَالاسْمُ اسْمُ اللَّٰهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ }}{{cite book |last=Ibn Babawayh |first=al-Saduq |title=Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih |language=ar |volume=2|page= 182 |quote=قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ): لَا تَقُولُوا۟ «رَمَضَانُ» وَلَٰكِنْ قُولُوا۟ «شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ» فَإِنَّكُمْ لَا تَدْرُونَ مَا رَمَضَانُ }}{{cite book |last=Al-Hurr Al-Amili |first=Muhammad |title=Wasa'il al-Shia |language=ar |volume =10|page= Ch. 19 |quote=عَلِيٍّ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ) قَالَ: لَا تَقُولُوا۟ «رَمَضَانُ» فَإِنَّكُمْ لَا تَدْرُونَ مَا رَمَضَانُ فَمَنْ قَالَهُ فَلْيَتَصَدَّقْ وَلْيَصُمْ كَفَّارَهً لِقَوْلِهِ وَلَٰكِنْ قُولُوا۟ كَمَا قَالَ اللَّٰهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ «شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ»  }}{{cite book |last=Al-Majlisi |first=Muhammad-Baqir |title=Bihar al-Anwar |language=ar |volume =93|page= Ch. 48 }}{{cite book |last=Ibn Tawus |first=Sayyid |title=Al-Iqbal Bil-Amal |language=ar |volume=2|page= 29 }}{{cite book |last=Al-Nouri Al-Tabarsi |first=Husayn |title=Mustadrak al-Wasa'il |language=ar |volume =7|page=Ch. 12, Hadith 1, Nu. 8609 }} and Zaydi{{cite book |last=Al-Shajari |first=Yahya bin Hussein |title=Al-Amali Al-Khamisiyah |language=ar |volume =1|page= 380, Nu. 1355 |quote=أَنَّ عَلِيًّا عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ كَانَ يَقُولُ: لَا تَقُولُوا۟ «رَمَضَانُ» فَإِنَّكُمْ لَا تَدْرُونَ مَا رَمَضَانُ فَمَنْ قَالَهُ فَلْيَتَصَدَّقْ وَلْيَصُمْ كَفَّارَةً لِقَوْلِهِ، وَلَٰكِنْ قُولُوا۟ كَمَا قَالَ اللَّٰهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: «شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ» }} sources. However, the report has been graded by others as Mawḍūʻ (fabricated){{cite book |last=Ibn al-Jawzi |first=Abdul Rahman |title=Al-Mawdu'at |volume=2 |page=187 |language=ar |quote=قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّٰهِ صَلَّىٰ اللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: لَا تَقُولُوا۟ «رَمَضَانُ» فَإِنَّ رَمَضَانَ اسْمُ اللَّٰهِ، وَلَٰكِنْ قُولُوا۟ «شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ»}} and inauthentic.

In the Persian language, the Arabic letter {{lang|ar|ض|link=}} (Ḍād) is pronounced as /z/. The Muslim communities in some countries with historical Persian influence, such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, India, Pakistan and Turkey, use the word Ramazan or Ramzan. The word Romzan is used in Bangladesh.{{Cite web |date=2020-04-26 |title=Was ist Ramadan? - Diegebetszeiten.de |url=https://diegebetszeiten.de/was-ist-ramadan/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426133550/https://diegebetszeiten.de/was-ist-ramadan/ |archive-date=26 April 2020 }}

File:002185 Al-Baqarah UsmaniScript.png, Verse 185 in Arabic]]

{{blockquote|Ramadan is the month on which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.|{{qref|2|185|c=y}}}}

Muslims hold that all scriptures were revealed during Ramadan, the scrolls of Abraham, Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Quran having been handed down during that month.{{Cite book |last=Aliyev |first=Rafig Y. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t6CvZJJt1PIC |title=Loud Thoughts on Religion: A Version of the System Study of Religion. Useful Lessons for Everybody |publisher=Trafford Publishing |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4907-0521-7 |page=129}} Muhammad is said to have received his first quranic revelation on Laylat al-Qadr, one of five odd-numbered nights that fall during the last ten days of Ramadan.{{Cite book|title = The Magnificence of Quran|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=AKmmBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT29 |publisher = Darussalam Publishers|date = 2006|first = Mahmood Bin Ahmad Bin Saaleh|last = Ad-Dausaree}}

Although Muslims were first commanded to fast in the second year of Hijra (624 CE), they believe that the practice of fasting is not in fact an innovation of monotheismQuran Chapter 2, Revelation 183 but rather has always been necessary for believers to attain fear of God (taqwa).{{Cite book|title = Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Islam (Salafi): Sharh Usool ath-Thalatha of Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahaab|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=EbamAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT63|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200105005313/https://books.google.com/books?id=EbamAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT63|archive-date = 5 January 2020|publisher = Salafi Books|first = Shaikh Saalih|last = al-Uthaymeen}}{{qref|2|183|s=y|b=y}} They point to the fact that the pre-Islamic pagans of Mecca fasted on the tenth day of Muharram to expiate sin and avoid drought.{{Cite book|title = Loud Thoughts on Religion: A Version of the System Study of Religion. Useful Lessons for Everybody|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=t6CvZJJt1PIC|publisher = Trafford Publishing|year=2013|isbn = 978-1-4907-0521-7|first = Rafig Y.|last = Aliyev|page = 128}}{{self-published source|date=January 2018}} Philip Jenkins argues that the observance of Ramadan fasting grew out of "the strict Lenten discipline of the Syrian Churches", a postulation corroborated by other scholars, including theologian Paul-Gordon Chandler,Jenkins, Philip (2006). The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South. p. 182. Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.{{cite book|last=Chandler|first=Paul-Gordon|title=Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road: Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths|date=2008|publisher=Cowley Publications|language=en |isbn=978-0-7425-6603-3|page=88}} but disputed by some Muslim academics.Muhammad Mustafa al-Azami, "The History of The Quranic Text: From Revelation to Compilation: A Comparative Study with the Old and New Testaments", 2nd Edition (2008), Azami Publishing House The Quran itself emphasizes that the fast it prescribes had already been prescribed to earlier biblical communities (2:183), even though an explicit intertext for this pre-Islamic practice does not exist.{{Cite journal |last=Lowry |first=Joseph |date=2024 |title=Quranic Law and Its 'Biblical' Intertexts |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/asia-2023-0017/html |journal=Asiatische Studien - Études Asiatiques |language=en |volume=78 |issue=3 |pages=448 |doi=10.1515/asia-2023-0017 |issn=2235-5871}}

The Islamic calendar is a lunar one, where each month begins when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. The Islamic year consists of 12 lunar cycles, and consequently it is 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year, and as it contains no intercalation,{{efn|A tropical year is almost the same length as a year in the Western Gregorian Calendar, the difference is imperceptible in a human lifespan.}} Ramadan migrates throughout the seasons. The Islamic day starts after sunset. The estimated start and end dates for Ramadan, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia, are:{{Cite web |title=The Umm al-Qura Calendar of Saudi Arabia |url=https://webspace.science.uu.nl/~gent0113/islam/ummalqura.htm |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=webspace.science.uu.nl}}

File:An Iranian iftar meal (2).jpg

Many Muslims insist on the local physical sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan, but others use the calculated time of the new moon or the Saudi Arabian declaration to determine the start of the month. Since the new moon is not in the same state at the same time globally, the beginning and ending dates of Ramadan depend on what lunar sightings are received in each respective location. As a result, Ramadan dates vary in different countries, but usually only by a day. This is due to the cycles of the moon; the moon may not meet the criteria to qualify as a waxing crescent, which delineates the change in months, at the time of sundown in one location while later meeting it in another location.{{cite web

| url = http://www.ramadan.com.au/faq

| title = What is the Islamic calendar?

| work = FAQ - For Muslims

| publisher = Ramadan Awareness Campaign

| access-date = 2008-09-01

| archive-date = 2012-09-09

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120909110833/http://www.ramadan.com.au/faq

| url-status = dead

}} Astronomical projections that approximate the start of Ramadan are available.{{cite web

| url = http://moonsighting.com/ramadan.html

| title = Ramadan and Eidian

| access-date = 7 August 2012

| publisher = Committee For Crescent Observation

| archive-date = 4 August 2012

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120804124006/http://moonsighting.com/ramadan.html

| url-status = dead

}}

In Shia Islam, one of the special dates of this month is the day of the assassination of Ali, the fourth Rashidun caliph and the first Shia Imam. Ali was struck during morning prayer on the 19th day of Ramadan, 40 AH, and he died on the 21st day of the month. They engage in mourning and prayer on these nights, especially in Iran.{{cite web |url = https://www.irna.ir/news/82566641/%D9%82%D9%85-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%B9-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B3%D9%88%DA%AF-%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B3%D8%AA |title = قم در سالروز شهادت امام علی(ع) به سوگ نشست |trans-title = Qom mourns on anniversary of Imam Ali's (AS) martyrdom|lang= fa|access-date = 27 February 2025}}

File:Ramadan100years1938-2037.png

Because the hilāl, or crescent moon, typically occurs approximately one day after the new moon, Muslims can usually estimate the beginning of Ramadan;[http://www.hilalsighting.org/papers/salman.pdf Hilal Sighting & Islamic Dates: Issues and Solution Insha'Allaah] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206015307/http://www.hilalsighting.org/papers/salman.pdf |date=6 February 2009 }}. Hilal Sighting Committee of North America ([http://www.hilalsighting.org/ website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831043652/http://www.hilalsighting.org/ |date=31 August 2009 }}). Retrieved 19 August 2009. however, many Muslims prefer to confirm the opening of Ramadan by direct visual observation of the crescent.{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/64-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2031.%20Fasting/2466-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-031-hadith-number-124.html |title= Sahih Bukhari – Book 031 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 124 |first= AbdAllah-Muhammad |last= Bukhari-Ibn-Ismail |work= hadithcollection.com |date= 28 January 2009 |access-date= 25 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120613040509/http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/64-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2031.%20Fasting/2466-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-031-hadith-number-124.html |archive-date= 13 June 2012 }}

{{Main|Night of Power}}

The Laylat al-Qadr ({{langx|ar|لیلة القدر}}) or "Night of Power" is the night that Muslims believe the Quran was first sent down to the world, and Muhammad received his first quranic revelation from it. The night is considered to be the holiest night of the year.{{Cite book | last = Robinson | first = Neal | title = Islam: A Concise Introduction | publisher = Georgetown University Press | year = 1999 | location = Washington | isbn = 978-0-87840-224-3 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/islam00neal }}{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/64-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2031.%20Fasting/2465-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-031-hadith-number-125.html |title= Sahih Bukhari – Book 031 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 125 |first= AbdAllah-Muhammad |last= Ibn-Ismail-Bukhari |work= hadithcollection.com |access-date= 28 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130115170845/http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/64-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2031.%20Fasting/2465-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-031-hadith-number-125.html |archive-date= 15 January 2013 }} It is generally believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last ten days of Ramadan; the Dawoodi Bohra believe that Laylat al-Qadr was the twenty-third night of Ramadan.{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/65-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2032.%20Praying%20at%20Night%20In%20Ramadhan%20(Taraweeh)/2479-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-032-hadith-number-238.html |title= Sahih Bukhari – Book 032 (Praying at Night during Ramadhan), Hadith 238 |first= AbdAllah-Muhammad |last= Ibn-Ismail-Bukhari |work= hadithcollection.com |access-date= 28 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130115170922/http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/65-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2032.%20Praying%20at%20Night%20In%20Ramadhan%20(Taraweeh)/2479-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-032-hadith-number-238.html |archive-date= 15 January 2013 }}{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10668-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2632.html |title= Sahih Muslim – Book 006 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 2632 |first= Abul-Hussain |last= Muslim-Ibn-Habaj |work= hadithcollection.com |access-date= 28 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130115170848/http://hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10668-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2632.html |archive-date= 15 January 2013 }}

{{Main|Eid al-Fitr|Eid prayers}}

The holiday of Eid al-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر), which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal,{{Cite web|title=Eid al-Fitr in the United States|url=https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/eid-al-fitr|access-date=2021-05-09|website=www.timeanddate.com|language=en}} the next lunar month, is declared after a crescent new moon has been sighted or after completion of thirty days of fasting if no sighting of the moon is possible. Eid celebrates the return to a more natural disposition (fitra) of eating, drinking, and marital intimacy.{{cite web |url= http://www.esinislam.com/Articles201009/WritersArticles_AdilSalahi_0911.htm |title= Ruling on Voluntary Fasting After The Month of Ramadan: Eid Day(s) And Ash-Shawaal |work= EsinIslam, Arab News & Information – By Adil Salahi |date= 11 September 2010 |access-date= 23 May 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160527052712/http://www.esinislam.com/Articles201009/WritersArticles_AdilSalahi_0911.htm |archive-date= 27 May 2016 }}

File:Ramazan with the poor.jpg. Ramadan of the poor people. 1938]]

The common practice is to fast from dawn to sunset. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the suhur, while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is called iftar.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramadan|title=Ramadan|website=Britannica|date=7 June 2024 }}

Muslims devote more time to prayer and acts of charity, striving to improve their self-discipline, motivated by hadith:{{cite web|url=http://sunnah.com/bukhari/30/|title=Book of Fasting – Sahih al-Bukhari – Sunnah.com – Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610105330/http://sunnah.com/bukhari/30|archive-date=10 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hadithcollection.com/.../10999-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number%20-2361.html|title=Sahih Muslim Book 006, Hadith Number 2361.|work=Hadith Collection|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604202311/http://www.hadithcollection.com/.../10999-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number%20-2361.html|archive-date=4 June 2015}} "When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of hell are locked up and devils are put in chains."{{cite web |url= http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/features/weekend/169233-muslims-observe-ramadan-clerics-explain-significance |archive-url= https://archive.today/20140718041849/http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/features/weekend/169233-muslims-observe-ramadan-clerics-explain-significance |archive-date= 18 July 2014 |title= Muslims observe Ramadan, clerics explain significance |work= Guardian News, Nigeria |date= 4 July 2014 |access-date= 16 July 2014 }}

{{Main|Fasting during Ramadan}}

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims abstain from sexual relations{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/ramadan-fasting-start-date-170427062743037.html|title=Ramadan to start May 27 or May 28|website=aljazeera.com/|access-date=27 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427152830/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/ramadan-fasting-start-date-170427062743037.html|archive-date=27 April 2017|url-status=live}} and sinful speech and behaviour during Ramadan. Fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, and to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control,[https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2008/08/29/ramadhan_2008_feature.shtml Why Ramadan brings us together] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830190152/http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2008/08/29/ramadhan_2008_feature.shtml |date=30 August 2009 }}; BBC, 1 September 2008 sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/27/AR2008092702592_2.html?nav=rss_world Help for the Heavy at Ramadan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020200236/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/27/AR2008092702592_2.html?nav=rss_world |date=20 October 2016 }}, Washington Post, 27 September 2008

Exemptions from fasting include those traveling, menstruating, severely ill, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Those unable to fast are obligated to make up the missed days later.{{qref|2|184|b=y}}

{{Main|Suhur}}

File:Iftar in Istanbul Turkey.jpg in Istanbul, Turkey]]

Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called the suhur. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, Fajr.{{cite web |url= http://www.hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10921-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2415.html |title= Sahih Muslim – Book 006 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 2415 |first= Abul-Hussain |last= Muslim-Ibn-Habaj |work= hadithcollection.com |year= 2009 |access-date= 25 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130115170800/http://www.hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10921-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2415.html |archive-date= 15 January 2013 }}{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/64-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2031.%20Fasting/2446-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-031-hadith-number-144.html |title= Sahih Bukhari – Book 031 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 144 |first= AbdAllah-Muhammad |last= Ibn-Ismail-Bukhari |work= hadithcollection.com |year= 2009 |access-date= 25 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130115170927/http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/64-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2031.%20Fasting/2446-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-031-hadith-number-144.html |archive-date= 15 January 2013 }}

{{Main|Iftar}}

File:Example of Ramadan iftar 2.jpg

At sunset, families break the fast with the iftar, traditionally opening the meal by eating dates to commemorate Muhammad's practice of breaking the fast with three dates.{{Cite book|title=The Oxford dictionary of Islam|date=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|last=Esposito|first=John L.|isbn=0-19-512558-4|location=New York|oclc=50280143|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/oxforddictionary00bada}}{{Cite journal|last=Indrayani|first=Suharti|date=2018|title=How do Muslims consume dates?|url=http://www.pjmhsonline.com/2018/oct_dec/pdf/1732.pdf|journal=Pakistani Journal of Medical and Health Sciences|volume=12|pages=1732–1743|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728134336/http://www.pjmhsonline.com/2018/oct_dec/pdf/1732.pdf|archive-date=28 July 2020|url-status=live}} They then adjourn for Maghrib, the fourth of the five required daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.{{cite web |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/Muslims_fast_and_feast_as_Ramadan_begins.html?showFullArticle=y |title=Muslims fast and feast as Ramadan begins |first=Melissa |last=Fletcher Stoeltje |date=22 August 2009 |access-date=22 July 2012 |work=San Antonio Express-News}}

Social gatherings, many times in buffet style, are frequent at iftar. Traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, particularly those made only during Ramadan.{{such as|date=July 2019}} Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also often available, as are soft drinks and caffeinated beverages.{{cite web |url=http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/072709p56.shtml |title=Understanding Muslim Fasting Practices |first1=Dr. Nour |last1=El-Zibdeh |work=todaysdietitian.com |access-date=25 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731172803/http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/072709p56.shtml |archive-date=31 July 2012 |url-status=live }}

In the Middle East, iftar consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers; one or more main dishes; and rich desserts, with dessert considered the most important aspect of the meal.{{Cite book|title=The Oxford companion to sugar and sweets|last=Goldstein, Darra|isbn=978-0-19-931361-7|location=Oxford|oclc=905969818|date = April 2015}} Typical main dishes include lamb stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables, and roasted chicken served with chickpea-studded rice pilaf. Desserts may include lokma, baklava or knafeh.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-ramadan-20120721,0,1433650.story |title=Ramadan's high note is often a dip |first1=Faye |last1=Levy |first2=Yakir |last2=Levy |work=Los Angeles Times |date=21 July 2012 |access-date=22 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722134003/http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-ramadan-20120721,0,1433650.story |archive-date=22 July 2012 |url-status=live }}

Over time, the practice of iftar has evolved into banquets that may accommodate hundreds or even thousands of diners.{{cite web |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-08-08/news/fl-ramadan-food-20100808_1_iftar-fasting-muslims-hail |title=Ramadan: Muslims feast and fast during holy month |first=James D. |last=Davis |date=8 August 2010 |access-date=22 July 2012 |work=South Florida Sun-Sentinel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706233740/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-08-08/news/fl-ramadan-food-20100808_1_iftar-fasting-muslims-hail |archive-date=6 July 2011 |url-status=dead }} The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the largest mosque in the UAE, feeds up to thirty thousand people every night.{{cite news |title=Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque feeds 30,000 during Ramadan |url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/05/10/abu-dhabi-s-grand-mosque-feeds-30-000-during-ramadan |access-date=11 May 2019 |agency=Euro News |publisher=euronews.com |date=10 May 2019}}

File:Iftar Serving for fasting people in the holy shrine of Imam Reza 05 ().jpg]]

{{Main|Zakat|Sadaqah}}

File:Men praying in Afghanistan.jpg or "Blue Mosque" in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan]]

File:Dan Hadani collection (990040387050205171).jpg in Jerusalem]]

Zakat, often translated as "the poor-rate", is the fixed percentage of income a believer is required to give to the poor; the practice is obligatory as one of the pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that good deeds are rewarded more handsomely during Ramadan than at any other time of the year; consequently, many Muslims donate a larger portion{{snd}}or even all{{snd}}of their yearly zakat during this month.{{Cite news |title=Why Ramadan Generates Millions in Charitable Giving Every Year |work=The New York Times |date=29 April 2022 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/29/nyregion/ramadan-charitable-giving.html |access-date=2023-11-22 |last1=Stack |first1=Liam }}

{{Main|Tarawih}}

Tarawih ({{langx|ar|تراويح}}) are extra nightly prayers performed during the month of Ramadan. Contrary to popular belief, they are not compulsory.{{cite web|url=http://www.islamhelpline.com/qa/tarawih-prayer-nafl-or-sunnah|title=Tarawih Prayer a Nafl or Sunnah|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118190826/http://www.islamhelpline.com/qa/tarawih-prayer-nafl-or-sunnah|archive-date=18 November 2015}}

Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran, which comprises thirty juz' (sections), over the thirty days of Ramadan.{{Cite web |last=Isra |date=2023-03-03 |title=Your Ramadan Quran Reading is Important |url=https://iqranetwork.com/blog/your-ramadan-quran-reading-is-important/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Learn Quran online, Arabic & Islamic Studies Online {{!}} IQRA Network |language=en-US}}

File:Sutakabab.JPG seller from Chwakbazar Iftar Market in Old Dhaka. The Chowk Bazaar neighborhood of Old Dhaka is famous for its century-old Iftar Bazar.]]

In some Islamic countries, lights (fanous) are strung up in public squares and across city streets,{{cite web |url= https://abcnews.go.com/International/slideshow/muslims-begin-fasting-start-ramadan-holy-month-16822614 |title= Muslims begin fasting for Ramadan|work= ABC News |date= 18 July 2012 |access-date= 6 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721093053/https://abcnews.go.com/International/slideshow/muslims-begin-fasting-start-ramadan-holy-month-16822614 |archive-date=2012-07-21 }}{{cite web |url= http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/the-spirit-of-ramadan-is-here-but-why-is-it-still-so-dark |title= The spirit of Ramadan is here, but why is it still so dark? |author= Taryam Al Subaihi |date= 29 July 2012 |work= The National |access-date= 30 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120731232232/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/the-spirit-of-ramadan-is-here-but-why-is-it-still-so-dark |archive-date= 31 July 2012 |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= http://shine.yahoo.com/decorate-ramadan-175400368.html |title= How to decorate for Ramadan |first= Sylvia |last= Cochran |work= Yahoo-Shine|date= 8 August 2011 |access-date= 6 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115184556/http://shine.yahoo.com/decorate-ramadan-175400368.html |archive-date=2013-01-15 }} a tradition believed to have originated during the Fatimid Caliphate, where the rule of Caliph al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah was acclaimed by people holding lanterns.{{Cite news |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/features/2015/06/19/Ramadan-is-here-light-up-your-lanterns.html |title=How did the Ramadan lantern become a symbol of the holy month? |last=Harrison |first=Peter |date=2016-06-09 |work=Al Arabiya |access-date=2019-05-06 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On the island of Java, many believers bathe in holy springs to prepare for fasting, a ritual known as Padusan.{{Cite news |url=http://jakartaglobe.id/vision/this-is-how-indonesia-welcomes-ramadan |title=This Is How Indonesia Welcomes Ramadan |date=2019-05-04 |work=Jakarta Globe |access-date=2019-05-06 |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411011740/http://jakartaglobe.id/vision/this-is-how-indonesia-welcomes-ramadan|url-status=live}} The city of Semarang marks the beginning of Ramadan with the Dugderan carnival, which involves parading the warak ngendog, a horse-dragon hybrid creature allegedly inspired by the Buraq.{{cite web |url=http://www.matasejarah.com/2016/07/tradisi-dugderan-di-kota-semarang.html |title=Tradisi Dugderan di Kota Semarang|work=Mata Sejarah |access-date=18 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412143319/http://www.matasejarah.com/2016/07/tradisi-dugderan-di-kota-semarang.html |archive-date=12 April 2017 |language=id |last1=Sejarah |first1=Mata }} In the Chinese-influenced capital city of Jakarta, firecrackers are widely used to celebrate Ramadan, although they are officially illegal.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/19/world/jakarta-journal-it-s-ramadan-school-is-out-quick-the-earplugs.html |title=Jakarta Journal; It's Ramadan. School Is Out. Quick, the Earplugs! |last=Sims |first=Calvin |date=2000-12-19 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2019-05-06 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506171434/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/19/world/jakarta-journal-it-s-ramadan-school-is-out-quick-the-earplugs.html |archive-date=6 May 2019 |url-status=live }} Towards the end of Ramadan, most employees receive a one-month bonus known as Tunjangan Hari Raya.{{Cite web |url=https://emerhub.com/indonesia/thr/ |title=Understanding the Religious Holiday Allowance THR in Indonesia |date=2018-12-06 |website=Emerhub |access-date=2019-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506171442/https://emerhub.com/indonesia/thr/ |archive-date=6 May 2019 |url-status=live }} Certain kinds of food are especially popular during Ramadan, such as large beef or buffalo in Aceh and snails in Central Java.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/07/07/on-hunt-delectable-snacks.html |title=On the hunt for delectable snacks |last1=Maryono |first1=Agus |date=2014-07-07 |work=The Jakarta Post |access-date=2019-05-06 |last2=Endi |first2=Severianus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506171437/https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/07/07/on-hunt-delectable-snacks.html |archive-date=6 May 2019 |url-status=live }} The iftar meal is announced every evening by striking the bedug, a giant drum, in the mosque.{{Cite news |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ramadan-2016/ramadan-news/diverse-traditions-that-welcome-the-holy-month-in-indonesia |title=Diverse traditions that welcome the holy month in Indonesia |last=Saifudeen |first=Yousuf |date=2016-06-12 |work=Khaleej Times |access-date=2019-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506171433/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ramadan-2016/ramadan-news/diverse-traditions-that-welcome-the-holy-month-in-indonesia |archive-date=6 May 2019 |url-status=live }}

Common greetings during Ramadan include Ramadan mubarak and Ramadan kareem, which mean (have a) "blessed Ramadan" and "generous Ramadan" respectively.[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/15/ramadan-2015-facts-dates_n_7554256.html Ramadan 2015: Facts, History, Dates, Greeting And Rules About The Muslim Fast] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710084438/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/15/ramadan-2015-facts-dates_n_7554256.html |date=10 July 2015 }}, Huffington Post, 15 June 2015

During Ramadan in the Middle East, a mesaharati beats a drum across a neighbourhood to wake people up to eat the suhoor meal.{{Cite web |last=El-Shamma |first=Mohammed |date=2019-05-06 |title=Mesaharati: An ancient career fights extinction in digital age |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1493021/middle-east |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Arab News |language=en}} Similarly in Southeast Asia, the kentongan slit drum is used for the same purpose.{{Cite web |date=2020-04-23 |title=Ramadan 2020: Unique and bizarre Ramzan practices |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/ramadan-2020-unique-and-bizarre-ramzan-practices-around-the-world/story-QHSy9bUPdvE5XBVjOBjgsM.html |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}

Ramadan attracts significant increases in television viewership, as the usual prime time hours coincide with the iftar, and are commonly extended into the late-night hours to coincide with the suhur. Broadcasters in the Arab world traditionally premiere serial dramas known as musalsal during Ramadan; they are similar in style to Latin American telenovelas, and are typically around 30 episodes in length so that they run over the length of the month.{{Cite web |title=Why Ramadan is a TV executive's dream in the Middle East |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/ramadan-tradition-tv-1.6811096 |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=CBC Radio}}{{Cite web |date=2012-07-17 |title=Ramadan TV: Your ultimate guide to the best of the month's television programmes |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/tv/ramadan-tv-your-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-of-the-months-television-programmes-1.1050028 |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}{{cite web |date=November 23, 2003 |title=Ideas & Trends: Ramadan Nights; Traditions Old (Fasting) and New (Soap Operas) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/23/weekinreview/ideas-trends-ramadan-nights-traditions-old-fasting-and-new-soap-operas.html |work=New York Times}} Advertisers in the region have considered Ramadan to be comparable to the Super Bowl on U.S. television in terms of impact and importance; the cost of a 30-second commercial in peak time during Ramadan is usually more than double than normal.{{Cite web |last=Carrington |first=Daisy |date=2013-07-29 |title=Ramadan acts as 'Super Bowl for adverts' in the Middle East |url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/29/world/meast/ramadan-television-adverts/index.html |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{cite web |date=July 17, 2012 |title=Ramadan TV: Your ultimate guide to the best of the month's television programmes |url=http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/television/ramadan-tv-your-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-of-the-month-s-television-programmes-1.1050028 |publisher=Gulf News}}

{{Gallery

|File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Oproep tot het gebed op vrijdag via de trom bij de moskee Tulehu TMnr 20018271.jpg|Striking the bedug in Indonesia

|File:هلال رمضان.jpg|A decorated and illuminated crescent statue in Jordan

|File:زينة رمضان في أسواق القدس.jpg|Ramadan in the Old City of Jerusalem

|File:Lanterns from below.JPG|Fanous Ramadan decorations in Cairo, Egypt

|Ramadan decorations. Jerusalem by night 045 - Aug 2011.jpg|Ramadan decorations in Jerusalem

}}

{{hijri_to_gregorian_calendar.svg}}According to a 2012 Pew Research Centre study, there was widespread Ramadan observance, with a median of 93 percent across the thirty-nine countries and territories studied.{{cite web|title=Most Muslims say they fast during Ramadan|url=http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/07/09/global-median-of-93-of-muslims-say-they-fast-during-ramadan/|website=Pew Research Center|access-date=14 November 2017|date=9 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114145215/http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/07/09/global-median-of-93-of-muslims-say-they-fast-during-ramadan/|archive-date=14 November 2017|url-status=live}} Regions with high percentages of fasting among Muslims include Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Horn of Africa and most of Sub-Saharan Africa. Percentages are lower in Central Asia and Southeast Europe.

{{Main|Islamic views on fasting in the polar regions}}

The length of the dawn to sunset time varies in different parts of the world according to summer or winter solstices of the Sun. Most Muslims fast for eleven to sixteen hours during Ramadan. However, in polar regions, the period between dawn and sunset may exceed twenty-two hours in summer. For example, in 2014, Muslims in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Trondheim, Norway, fasted almost twenty-two hours, while Muslims in Sydney, Australia, fasted for only about eleven hours. In areas characterized by continuous night or day, some Muslims follow the fasting schedule observed in the nearest city that experiences sunrise and sunset, while others follow Mecca time.See article [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ramadan-fasting-times_n_5537721 "How Long Muslims Fast For Ramadan Around The World"] -Huffpost.com /31 July 2014 and article "Fasting Hours of Ramadan 2014" -Onislam.net / 29 June 2014 and article "The true spirit of Ramadan" -Gulfnews.com /31 July 2014See article by Imam Mohamad Jebara [https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/jebara-the-fasting-of-ramadan-is-not-meant-to-punish "The fasting of Ramadan is not meant to punish"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507015923/https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/jebara-the-fasting-of-ramadan-is-not-meant-to-punish|date=7 May 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/03/ramadan-canada-arctic-fasting-hours-sunlight|title=Arctic Ramadan: fasting in land of midnight sun comes with a challenge|last=Kassam|first=Ashifa|date=3 July 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=6 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707050659/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/03/ramadan-canada-arctic-fasting-hours-sunlight|archive-date=7 July 2016|url-status=live}}

As sunrise and sunset occur sixteen times each a day in low-Earth orbit, Muslim astronauts in space schedule religious practices around the time zone of the last place on Earth they were on. For example, this means an astronaut from Malaysia launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida would center their fast according to sunrise and sunset times in Cape Canaveral, in Florida's Eastern Time. This includes times for daily prayers, as well as sunset and sunrise for Ramadan.A Guideline of Performing Ibadah at the International Space Station (ISS){{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/magazine/09interstellar.html|title=Interstellar Ramadan|last=Donadio|first=Rachel|date=2007-12-09|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-05|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}

In some Muslim countries, eating in public during daylight hours in Ramadan is a crime.{{cite web|title=Ramadan 2019: 9 questions about the Muslim holy month you were too embarrassed to ask|url= https://www.vox.com/2017/5/25/11851766/what-is-ramadan-2019-start-date-muslim-islam-about|publisher= Vox|date= 6 June 2016}}{{cite news|title=Breaking Pakistan's Ramadan Fasting Laws Has Serious Consequences|newspaper= NPR.org|url= https://www.npr.org/2018/05/25/614315937/breaking-pakistan-s-ramadan-fasting-laws-have-serious-consequences|publisher= NPR}}{{cite web|title=Not so fast! Ramadan laws in Arab countries make you think twice before digging in|url= https://www.albawaba.com/slideshow/not-so-fast-ramadan-laws-these-arab-countries-will-make-you-think-twice-digging-709066|publisher= Albawaba News}} The sale of alcohol becomes prohibited during Ramadan in Egypt."[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/48444/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-tourism-minister-confirms-alcohol-prohibiti.aspx Egypt's tourism minister 'confirms' alcohol prohibition on Islamic holidays beyond Ramadan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811064259/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/48444/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-tourism-minister-confirms-alcohol-prohibiti.aspx |date=11 August 2013 }}," Al-Ahram, 22 July 2012. The penalty for publicly eating, drinking or smoking during Ramadan can result in fines or incarceration in the countries of Kuwait,{{Cite web |url=http://www.moi.gov.kw/portal/vEnglish/pressrel.asp?objectid=%7B220CBBC3-8EA9-4835-A491-C368B0689E55%7D&catid=%7B506BD210-2218-41DE-9648-30A1C3AAD0F6%7D&year=&relid=%7B57BF4B27-AAFB-4F61-9065-B013FA96A464%7D |title=Press release by Kuwait Ministry Of Interior |access-date=10 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009151115/https://www.moi.gov.kw/portal/vEnglish/pressrel.asp?objectid=%7B220CBBC3-8EA9-4835-A491-C368B0689E55%7D&catid=%7B506BD210-2218-41DE-9648-30A1C3AAD0F6%7D&year=&relid=%7B57BF4B27-AAFB-4F61-9065-B013FA96A464%7D |archive-date=9 October 2016 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news | title = KD 100 fine, one month prison for public eating, drinking | newspaper = Friday Times | publisher = Kuwait Times Newspaper | date = 21 August 2009 | url = http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTE3NDM5MzY5NA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200107124956/http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTE3NDM5MzY5NA | archive-date = 7 January 2020 | access-date = 17 November 2009 }} Saudi Arabia,{{cite news|title=Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Taking it to heart|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21700396-kingdom-treats-holy-month-more-seriously-anywhere-else-taking-it|access-date=11 June 2016|newspaper=The Economist|date=11 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610210452/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21700396-kingdom-treats-holy-month-more-seriously-anywhere-else-taking-it|archive-date=10 June 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Ramadan warning for expats in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/9422969/Ramadan-warning-for-expats-in-Saudi-Arabia.html |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=11 March 2019 |date=24 July 2012 |last1=Hyslop |first1=Leah |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020011822/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/9422969/Ramadan-warning-for-expats-in-Saudi-Arabia.html |archive-date=20 October 2018 |url-status=live }}[https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/jul/10/ramadan-numbers Ramadan in numbers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512000111/https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/jul/10/ramadan-numbers |date=12 May 2017 }}, 10 July 2013, The Guardian Morocco,{{Cite web |date=2016-06-06 |title=Morocco's Penal Code and Public Eating in Ramadan |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/06/188332/moroccos-penal-code-and-public-eating-in-ramadan |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=moroccoworldnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Latrech |first=Oumaima |date=2022-04-27 |title=Ramadan: 80 Moroccans Arrested for Publicly Eating in Casablanca |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/04/348649/ramadan-80-moroccans-arrested-for-publicly-eating-in-casablanca |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=moroccoworldnews.com |language=en}} Algeria{{cite web |title=Algerians jailed for breaking Ramadan fast |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/10/07/57856.html |work=Al Arabiya News |date=7 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211144838/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/10/07/57856.html |archive-date=11 December 2008 }} and Malaysia.{{Cite web |url=https://poskod.my/features/ramadan-fasting-fines-malaysia/ |title=The Hard and Fast Rules of Ramadan |work=Poskod Malaysia |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414081040/https://poskod.my/features/ramadan-fasting-fines-malaysia/ |archive-date=14 April 2019 |url-status=live |date=14 July 2015 }} In the United Arab Emirates, the punishment is community service.{{Cite news | last = Salama | first = Samir | title = New penalty for minor offences in UAE | newspaper = Gulf News | location = Dubai, UAE | publisher = Al Nisr Publishing LLC | date = 16 July 2009 | url = http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/new-penalty-for-minor-offences-in-uae-1.492892 | access-date = 17 November 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100301171003/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/new-penalty-for-minor-offences-in-uae-1.492892 | archive-date = 1 March 2010 }}

In some countries, on the contrary, the observance of Ramadan has been restricted by governments. In the USSR, the practice of Ramadan was suppressed by officials.{{cite book|title=When Economies Change Paths: Models of Transition in China, the Central Asian Republics, Myanmar & the Nations of Former Indochine Française|page=162|author= Leo Paul Dana}}{{cite book|title=The Former Soviet Union's Diverse Peoples: A Reference Sourcebook|page=133|author=James Minahan}} In Albania, Ramadan festivities were banned during the communist period.{{cite book|title=Islamic Beliefs, Practices, and Cultures|publisher=Marshall Cavendish|page=165}} However, many Albanians continued to fast secretly during this period.{{cite news|title=In Albania, Ramadan under lockdown revives memories of communism|date=2020-04-25 |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1664866/world|publisher=Arab News}}

China is reported to have banned Ramadan fasting for officials, students, and teachers in Xinjiang since 2012.{{Cite web |last=Cagnassola |first=Mary Ellen |date=2021-05-06 |title=170 mosques destroyed in China's Xinjiang crackdown, Australian think tank says |url=https://www.newsweek.com/170-mosques-destroyed-chinas-xinjiang-crackdown-australian-think-tank-says-1589240 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220317141748/https://www.newsweek.com/170-mosques-destroyed-chinas-xinjiang-crackdown-australian-think-tank-says-1589240 |archive-date=17 March 2022 |website=Newsweek |language=en |access-date=17 March 2022 }}{{cite news |date=2012-08-01 |title=China region bans Muslims from fasting during Ramadan |work=The National, Agence France Presse |url=https://www.thenational.ae/uae/china-region-bans-muslims-from-fasting-during-ramadan-1.405759}}{{cite news |title=China bans Muslims from fasting Ramadan in Xinjiang |work=Al-Jazeera English, Agence France Presse |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/china-bans-ramadan-fasting-muslim-region-150618070016245.html}} Radio Free Asia alleges that residents in Kashgar Prefecture are compelled to film proof of eating for officials and are encouraged to report those who fasted to the authorities.{{cite web|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/fasting-05142020144511.html|title=Residents of Uyghur-Majority County in Xinjiang Ordered to Report Others Fasting During Ramadan|date=14 May 2020|access-date=17 May 2020|website=Radio Free Asia|author=Shohret Hoshur |author2=Joshua Lipes |translator=Elise Anderson, Alim Seytoff}}{{Cite news |last=Hoshur |first=Shohret |author-link=Shohret Hoshur |date=2025-03-18 |title=China forces Uyghurs to show video proof they are not fasting during Ramadan |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/uyghur/2025/03/18/uyghur-ramadan-fasting-proof/ |work=Radio Free Asia}} The ban has been denied by Chinese diplomats{{Cite web |date=2019-05-07 |title=Come see China Muslim culture for yourselves, embassy says |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/475244 |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Malaysiakini}} and Muslim associations in Xinjiang.{{Cite web |last=M. Irfan Ilmie, Atman Ahdiat |date=2021-03-18 |title=Uighur Muslim Community invites global media to witness Ramadan rituals |url=https://www.antaranews.com/berita/2050526/komunitas-muslim-uighur-undang-media-global-saksikan-ritual-ramadhan |website=Antara News |language=id}} Antara News,{{Cite web |date=2021-04-14 |title=Muslims in Xinjiang begin Ramadan |url=https://www.jawapos.com/hijrah-ramadan/14/04/2021/umat-muslim-di-xinjiang-mulai-menjalankan-puasa-ramadan/ |website=Jawa Pos, Antara News |language=id}} Daily Times,{{Cite web |last=S M Hali |date=2019-12-13 |title=Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019 — a harsh step |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/519333/uyghur-human-rights-policy-act-of-2019-a-harsh-step/ |website=Daily Times |language=en-US}} and Pakistan Today have also brought up accounts of residents in Xinjiang fasting.{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2016 |title=No restriction over Muslims to observe Ramzan in Xinjiang: JI spokesperson |url=https://archive.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/07/02/no-restriction-over-muslims-to-observe-ramzan-in-xinjiang-ji-spokesperson/ |website=Pakistan Today |language=en-GB |access-date=17 March 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703091525/https://archive.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/07/02/no-restriction-over-muslims-to-observe-ramzan-in-xinjiang-ji-spokesperson/ }} According to a 2024 visit to Xinjiang by a reporter from the British magazine The Economist, many Uyghurs do not fast during Ramadan because, according to locals, "the Chinese government guarantees freedom of religion".{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/china/2024/04/11/what-ramadan-is-like-in-xinjiang|title=What Ramadan is like in Xinjiang|newspaper=The Economist |accessdate=1 March 2025}}

Muslims continue to work during Ramadan;{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/ramadan-2019-important-muslims-190505145156499.html|title=Ramadan 2019: Why is it so important for Muslims?|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2019-08-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tuc.org.uk/blogs/supporting-muslim-colleagues-during-ramadan|title=Supporting Muslim colleagues during Ramadan|last=Gilfillan|first=Scott|date=2019-05-03|website=TUC|language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}} however, in some countries, such as Oman and Lebanon, working hours are shortened.{{cite web |url= http://timesofoman.com/article/36340/Oman/-Ramadan-working-hours-announced-in-Oman |title= Ramadan working hours announced in Oman |work= Times of Oman |date= 22 June 2014 |access-date= 17 June 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160624185407/http://timesofoman.com/article/36340/Oman/-Ramadan-working-hours-announced-in-Oman |archive-date= 24 June 2016 |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= http://timesofoman.com/article/53294/Ramadan/Ramadan-working-hours-for-muslims-working-during-the-Holy-Month-announced-for-public-and-private-sec |title= Ramadan working hours announced for public and private sectors |work= Times of Oman |date= 10 June 2015 |access-date= 17 June 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160624222635/http://timesofoman.com/article/53294/Ramadan/Ramadan-working-hours-for-muslims-working-during-the-Holy-Month-announced-for-public-and-private-sec |archive-date= 24 June 2016 |url-status= live }} It is often recommended that working Muslims inform their employers if they are fasting, given the potential for the observance to impact performance at work.{{cite web|url=http://www.workingmuslim.com/RamadanEmployeeGuide.pdf|title=The Working Muslim in Ramadan|publisher=Working Muslim|year=2011|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007181131/http://www.workingmuslim.com/RamadanEmployeeGuide.pdf|archive-date=7 October 2016}} The extent to which Ramadan observers are protected by religious accommodation varies by country. Policies putting them at a disadvantage compared to other employees have been met with discrimination claims in the United Kingdom and the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.lewissilkinemployment.com/en-gb/insights-knowledge/insights-knowledge/a/knowledge/ramadan-employment-issues/|title=Lewis Silkin – Ramadan – employment issues|author=Lewis Silkin|date=26 April 2016|work=lewissilkinemployment.com|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803075543/http://www.lewissilkinemployment.com/en-gb/insights-knowledge/insights-knowledge/a/knowledge/ramadan-employment-issues/|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blogs.findlaw.com/free_enterprise/2014/06/reasonable-accommodations-for-ramadan-lessons-from-2-eeoc-cases.html|title=Reasonable Accommodations for Ramadan? Lessons From 2 EEOC Cases|work=Free Enterprise|date=27 June 2014|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707224349/http://blogs.findlaw.com/free_enterprise/2014/06/reasonable-accommodations-for-ramadan-lessons-from-2-eeoc-cases.html|archive-date=7 July 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/8-6-10a.cfm|title=EEOC And Electrolux Reach Settlement in Religious Accommodation Charge Brought By Muslim Employees|work=eeoc.gov|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701194730/http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/8-6-10a.cfm|archive-date=1 July 2015|url-status=live}} An Arab News article reported that Saudi Arabian businesses were unhappy with shorter working hours during Ramadan, some reporting a decline in productivity of 35–50%.{{cite news |last1=Hasan |first1=Rumy |title=The costs of Ramadan need to be counted |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/economics-blog/2015/jul/03/cost-ramadan-counted-muslim-fasting-month |work=The Guardian |date=3 July 2015 }} The Saudi businesses proposed awarding salary bonuses in order to incentivize longer hours.{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/news/458892|title=Businesses want more working hours in Ramadan|date=23 July 2013|website=Arab News|accessdate=1 March 2025}} Despite the reduction in productivity, merchants can enjoy higher profit margins in Ramadan due to increase in demand.{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Erin |title=The Ramadan Productivity Drop And How To Overcome It |url=https://indonesiaexpat.biz/business-property/ramadan-productivity-drop-overcome/ |work=Indonesia Expat |date=19 June 2017 }}

Some countries impose modified work schedules. In the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait, employees may work no more than six hours per day and thirty-six hours per week.[http://www.dlapiper.com/files/Publication/2cde821c-0999-49a7-a472-7b198caeb169/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/588752a7-2159-4538-8938-7da1610c0faa/DLA_Piper_Middle_East_Be_Alert_Ramadan.pdf Employment Issues During Ramadan – The Gulf Region]{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, DLA Piper Middle East.

There are various health effects of fasting in Ramadan. Ramadan fasting is considered safe for healthy individuals; it may pose risks for individuals with certain pre-existing conditions. Most Islamic scholars hold that fasting is not required for those who are ill. Additionally, the elderly and pre-pubertal children are exempt from fasting.{{cite journal|title=Muslim patients in Ramadan: A review for primary care physicians|journal=Avicenna J Med|year=2017|volume=7|issue=3|pmc=5525471|last1=Abolaban|first1=H.|last2=Al-Moujahed|first2=A.|pages=81–87|doi=10.4103/ajm.AJM_76_17|pmid=28791239 |doi-access=free |issn = 2231-0770}} Pregnant or lactating women are also exempt from fasting during Ramadan.{{cite book|title=Al Siyam, "Fasting"| author=El-Bahay El-Kholi|publisher=The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Arab Republic of Egypt|page=36}} There are known health risks involved in pregnant women who fast, which include the potential of induced labour and gestational diabetes.{{cite journal |last1=Glazier |first1=JD |last2=Hayes |first2=DJL |last3=Hussain |first3=S |last4=D'Souza |first4=SW |last5=Whitcombe |first5=J |last6=Heazell |first6=AEP |last7=Ashton |first7=N |title=The effect of Ramadan fasting during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. |journal=BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth |date=25 October 2018 |volume=18 |issue=1 |page=421 |doi=10.1186/s12884-018-2048-y |pmid=30359228|pmc=6202808 |doi-access=free }}{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-416045-3.00022-4 |chapter=Obesity, Polycystic Ovaries and Impaired Reproductive Outcome |title=Obesity |year=2013 |last1=Balani |first1=Jyoti |last2=Hyer |first2=Stephen |last3=Wagner |first3=Marion |last4=Shehata |first4=Hassan |pages=289–298 |isbn=978-0-12-416045-3 }}{{cite journal |last1=Mirghani |first1=HM |last2=Hamud |first2=OA |title=The effect of maternal diet restriction on pregnancy outcome. |journal=American Journal of Perinatology |date=January 2006 |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=21–24 |doi=10.1055/s-2005-923435 |pmid=16450268|s2cid=260001799 }}

There are some health benefits of fasting in Ramadan including increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance.Shariatpanahi, Z. Vahdat, et al. "Effect of Ramadan fasting on some indices of insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in healthy male adults." British Journal of Nutrition 100.1 (2008): 147–151. It has also been shown that there is a significant improvement in 10 years coronary heart disease risk score and other cardiovascular risk factors such as lipids profile, systolic blood pressure, weight, BMI and waist circumference in subjects with a previous history of cardiovascular disease.Nematy, Mohsen, et al. "Effects of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors: a prospective observational study." Nutrition journal 11.1 (2012): 69. The fasting period is usually associated with modest weight loss, but weight can return afterwards.{{cite journal |vauthors=Sadeghirad B, Motaghipisheh S, Kolahdooz F, Zahedi MJ, Haghdoost AA |title=Islamic fasting and weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=Public Health Nutr |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=396–406 |year=2014 |pmid=23182306 |doi=10.1017/S1368980012005046 |doi-broken-date=1 November 2024 |pmc=10282472 |doi-access=free }}

In many cultures, it is associated with heavy food and water intake during Suhur and Iftar times, which may do more harm than good.{{Cite web|title=Should your water intake change during Ramadan?|url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/should-your-water-intake-change-during-ramadan-1.63675339|access-date=2021-05-09|website=gulfnews.com|date=5 May 2019 |language=en}} Ramadan fasting is safe for healthy people provided that overall food and water intake is adequate but those with medical conditions should seek medical advice if they encounter health problems before or during fasting.{{cite journal |vauthors=Azizi F |title=Islamic fasting and health |journal=Ann. Nutr. Metab. |volume=56 |issue=4 |pages=273–282 |year=2010 |pmid=20424438 |doi=10.1159/000295848 |s2cid=13428042 }}

The education departments of Berlin and the United Kingdom have tried to discourage students from fasting during Ramadan, as they claim that not eating or drinking can lead to concentration problems and bad grades.{{cite news |last1=Espinoza |first1=Javier |title=Schools say Muslim students 'should break Ramadan fast' to avoid bad grades |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2016/06/03/schools-say-muslim-students-should-break-ramadan-fast-to-avoid-b/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2016/06/03/schools-say-muslim-students-should-break-ramadan-fast-to-avoid-b/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Telegraph |date=3 June 2016 }}{{cbignore}}{{cite book |title=Islam und Schule: Handreichung für Lehrerinnen und Lehrer an Berliner Schulen |series=Bildung für Berlin : Politische Bildung |date=2010 |publisher=Zentral- und Landesbibliothek Berlin ZLB. Senatsbibliothek |oclc=824393822 |language=de |url=https://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:109-opus-95998 }}

A review of the literature by an Iranian group suggested fasting during Ramadan might produce renal injury in patients with moderate (GFR <60 ml/min) or severe kidney disease but was not injurious to renal transplant patients with good function or most stone-forming patients.{{cite journal | title=Ramadan fasting and patients with renal diseases: A mini review of the literature |vauthors=Emami-Naini A, Roomizadeh P, Baradaran A, Abedini A, Abtahi M | journal=J Res Med Sci |date=August 2013 | volume=18 | issue=8 | pages=711–716 | pmid=24379850 | issn=1735-1995 | publisher=Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences | pmc=3872613}}

A study on 55 professional Algerian soccer players showed that performance during Ramadan declined significantly for speed, agility, dribbling speed and endurance, and most stayed low 2 weeks after the conclusion of Ramadan.{{cite journal |last1=Zerguini |first1=Yacine |last2=Kirkendall |first2=Donald |last3=Junge |first3=Astrid |last4=Dvorak |first4=Jiri |title=Impact of Ramadan on physical performance in professional soccer players |journal=British Journal of Sports Medicine |date=1 June 2007 |volume=41 |issue=6 |pages=398–400 |doi=10.1136/bjsm.2006.032037 |pmid=17224435 |pmc=2465333 |url=https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/41/6/398.abstract |language=en |issn=0306-3674}}

• Fasting and abstinence of the Coptic Orthodox Church
• Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates
• Table of Mercy
• Shraavana
• Yaqazah

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• [http://www.ramadhan.org.uk/ Complete Guide to Ramadhan including Rules, Duas, Itikaaf, Laylatul Qadr, Sadaqatul Fitr etc. ]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150515011523/http://www.nestle-family.com/my%2Dramadan/ramadan%2Darticles/english/ Articles on Ramadan] (archived 15 May 2015)
• [https://www.islamicfinder.org/ramadan/ Ramadan news and articles]

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Category:Islamic holy days

Category:Fasting in Islam

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Category:Islamic terminology

Category:Shia days of remembrance