Ramadan 1448 AH

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and the most sacred month for Muslims. It is the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), and it is the month of obligatory fasting (Sawm) — one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

During Ramadan, every adult Muslim fasts from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset) — abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs. Fasting is not merely physical; it is an exercise in self-discipline, empathy for the poor, and spiritual renewal. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's reward, their past sins will be forgiven' (Sahih Bukhari).

The day of a fasting person revolves around three anchors: the pre-dawn meal (Sehri/Suhoor), the breaking of the fast (Iftar) at Maghrib, and the night prayers (Taraweeh) after Isha. Sehri should be taken as close to Fajr as possible, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Iftar traditionally begins with dates and water, as the Prophet ﷺ did, before the main meal.

The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most precious, especially Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) — which is 'better than a thousand months' (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3). Muslims increase their worship, recitation and charity during these nights, seeking the immense rewards promised for this single night.

Zakat al-Fitr (Sadaqat al-Fitr) is a small obligatory charity due before the Eid prayer on the last day of Ramadan — approximately one sa' (2.25 kg) of staple food per person. It ensures that the poor and needy can also celebrate Eid with dignity and is separate from the annual Zakat.

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr — the 'Festival of Breaking the Fast' — a day of joy, communal prayer, feasting and charity. Eid prayer is performed in the morning, followed by the Takbeerat, gifts for children, and visits to family and friends.