Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr

Observing Ramadan

Ramadan is a sacred time of the year is dedicated to self-discipline, spiritual growth, and acts of kindness.

History and Significance

Ramadan holds deep historical and spiritual significance as the month the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is a holy and blessed month to Muslims throughout the world. Fasting during Ramadan is a fundamental tenet of Islam. The Islamic calendar is a lunar based calendar, so each calendar year Ramadan begins 11 days earlier than the previous year. Ramadan is a month of devotion, unity, and spirituality observed by Muslim communities around the world. With over 1.9 billion Muslims across continents, Ramadan connects diverse cultures and traditions under a shared commitment to faith.

Traditions and Rituals

Ramadan is more than just a month of fasting; it is a time of deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and community connection. Its traditions and rituals are rooted in centuries of Islamic teachings and cultural practices, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

Some traditions that take place are:

Fasting: Fasting extends from sunrise to sunset each day, and involves abstaining from all food and drink. Young children, the elderly, travellers, pregnant or nursing women, and those with health issues are not required to fast.
Taraweeh Prayers: Special nightly prayers performed in congregation at the mosque. These prayers include long recitations of the Qur'an, with the goal of completing its full recitation by the end of the month.
Qur'an Recitation: Many strive to read or listen to the entire Qur'an during Ramadan, as this month is when it was first revealed.
Charity: Giving to those in need is a cornerstone of Ramadan, reflecting its emphasis on empathy and community care. Many choose to Ramadan as a time to give both Zakat Al Mal (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) during this month.
Community gatherings: Many choose to bring together friends, family and neighbours to break their fast. They also visit local mosques to engage in spiritual activities and community Iftars (breaking of the fast).

Across the world Ramadan traditions can vary. Each region has a deep cultural history that ties into the observance of Ramadan. For example, South Asia and Southeast Asia host Ramadan bazaars where they serve local delicacies.

Celebrating the end of Ramadan

Eid Al - fitr

Eid Al-Fitr meaning the 'festival of breaking the fast' marks the end of the Islamic month Ramadan. The day of Eid is starts with a large, community-wide prayer service in the morning. This is then followed by meals and conversation with friends and family.

Eid Prayer

Image by Rumman Amin sourced from unsplash

The first way to mark the day is to attend a congregational Eid prayer held at a local mosque. These prayers are unique to the day of Eid and are only observed exclusively in celebration of Eid