Ramadan

Hello. I am Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This calendar is a little different from the Gregorian calendar that many people use for their daily lives. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, which means it follows the cycles of the Moon as it travels around the Earth. A year on a lunar calendar is about ten or eleven days shorter than a year on a solar calendar, which is based on the Earth’s journey around the Sun. Because of this difference, my dates on the Gregorian calendar shift earlier each year. Over the course of about thirty-three years, I travel through all four seasons. Sometimes my days are long and hot in the summer, and other times they are short and cool in the winter.

My importance for Muslims comes from a very special event that they believe happened long ago, during my time. In the Islamic faith, it is believed that the first verses of their holy book, the Quran, were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This moment is considered so important that the night on which it is thought to have occurred is called Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power. Muslims consider it the holiest night of the year. The Quran serves as a guide for how to live a life of faith and compassion, so the belief that its message began during my month makes me a time of deep spiritual reflection and gratitude for Muslims all over the world.

The most well-known way people observe me is by fasting, a practice called sawm in Arabic. For all the days of my month, from the moment the sun rises until it sets, many Muslims who are able to will not eat or drink anything at all. This practice is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the five most important duties for a Muslim. Fasting is more than just going without food; it is an opportunity for people to work on their self-discipline and to feel closer to God. By experiencing hunger and thirst, participants are also reminded of the struggles of people who do not have enough food, which helps them feel more empathy and a greater sense of gratitude for what they have.

During my 29 or 30 days, the rhythm of daily life changes for those who observe me. The day is structured around the times of fasting and prayer. Before the first light of dawn, families wake up to share a meal together called suhoor. This meal provides the energy and hydration they will need to get through the day of fasting. Once the sun has set in the evening, the fast is broken with another meal, called iftar. It is a tradition for many to break the fast in the same way the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have done: by eating a few dates and drinking some water. After that, they may share a larger meal with family and friends.

While fasting is a personal act of faith, I am also a time of great community connection and generosity. It is very common for families, friends, and neighbors to invite each other over to share the iftar meal. Homes are filled with delicious food, and mosques become busy centers of community life, where people gather for special evening prayers called Tarawih. I am also a time for increased charity. People are encouraged to give to those in need through acts called sadaqah (voluntary charity) and zakat (a required annual donation). This focus on giving helps ensure that everyone in the community can have food for their meals and can share in the spirit of the month.

After a month of fasting, prayer, and community focus, my time ends with a big celebration called Eid al-Fitr, which means the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” It is a very happy holiday that can last for up to three days. The day begins with special prayers held in the morning. For the rest of the festival, people celebrate by visiting loved ones, sharing large feasts, and wearing new clothes. Children often receive gifts or money, known as Eidi. Eid al-Fitr is a joyful conclusion to my observance, marking the end of a month of dedication and providing a chance for the community to celebrate together.