This period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and holds deep significance for the Muslim community.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan marks the month in which Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
It is a time of heightened devotion, where fasting from dawn to sunset serves as an act of worship for Allah and self-discipline.
The month lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon, which is why its timing shifts each year.
What does fasting in Ramadan entail?
Fasting, known as Sawm (or Siyam), requires abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset.
But Ramadan is about more than just refraining from eating and drinking—it is a time of spiritual renewal.
Muslims use this month to:
- Deepen their faith in Allah through prayer, recitation of the Quran, and acts of worship.
- Practice self-discipline by avoiding negative behaviours such as gossip, anger, and dishonesty.
- Engage in acts of charity by helping those in need and fostering a sense of generosity.
- Strengthen community bonds by gathering with family and friends for Iftar (the meal to break the fast) and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal).
Fasting is prescribed for all adults who are physically able, but there are exemptions.
Those who are sick, pregnant, nursing, elderly, travelling, or experiencing other health concerns are excused from fasting.
Why does Ramadan start on different dates every year?
The Hijri Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, meaning that months are 29 or 30 days long.
Because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan moves earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
This cycle means that Ramadan can be observed in different seasons over time.
For example, in 2030, Ramadan will occur twice—once beginning on January 5 and then again on December 26.
This rare occurrence is due to the way the lunar calendar aligns with the solar calendar.
The end of Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a major Islamic celebration that marks the end of fasting, expected to fall on March 30 or 31.
Eid, which translates to "festival of the breaking of the fast” is a joyous occasion where Muslims come together for communal prayers, feasts, and acts of charity. It is a time of gratitude, reflection, and generosity.
For many, Ramadan is a transformative month—one that fosters patience, gratitude, and a sense of unity, both within the Muslim community and with the broader world.
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