Ramadan

Hello! I am Ramadan. I am the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and for Muslims all over the world, I am the most sacred time of the year. My importance comes from the belief that many centuries ago, around the year 610 CE, the first parts of the holy book called the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during my days.

You might notice that people observe me at different times of the year. That's because my dates follow the phases of the Moon. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. It is about 11 days shorter than the 365-day solar calendar that many people use. This difference means I start a little earlier each year. Over time, I get to visit every season—sometimes I arrive in the warm summer, and other times I come during the cool winter or pleasant days of spring and fall.

One of the most important traditions during my 29 or 30 days is fasting. Many grown-up Muslims practice this, which is called 'sawm.' From the time the sun rises until it sets, they do not eat or drink anything at all. For them, it is a time to feel closer to God, to practice self-control, and to think about people in the world who may not have enough food. To help them with the fast, they eat a meal called 'suhoor' before the sun comes up. When the sun goes down, they break their fast with a meal called 'iftar,' often starting with sweet dates and water.

My time is about more than just fasting. I am also a month for extra prayer, being generous, and spending quality time with family and friends. People try to be especially kind to one another. Many give to charity to help others, a practice known as 'zakat.' In the evenings, after a long day, it is common for communities to gather together. They might share the iftar meal at home or at a mosque. Many people also visit the mosque for special evening prayers.

After my last day, my month of reflection and fasting ends with a wonderful celebration. This festival is called Eid al-Fitr, which means the 'Festival of Breaking the Fast.' It is a very happy holiday that can last for several days. To celebrate, people often wear nice clothes, say special prayers in the morning, and visit with their families and friends. They share delicious festive meals, and children sometimes receive gifts. It is a joyful way to mark the end of my special month.