Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. Check the facts, rules, benefits, requirements, etc.


Ramadan (also transliterated as Ramadhan, Ramazan and Ramzan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. A period in which the Muslims exercise self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, empathy for concerned; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).

Ramadan month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, as stipulated in the corresponding hadiths. It is also a known fact that muslims engages in increased prayer and charity during this holy season.

To buttress the literature, below are few facts to know about Ramadan:

• The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness.

• The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar.

• When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of hell are locked up and devils are put in chains.

• The predominant practice in Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the suhoor, while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is the iftar.

• Fasting is fardh "obligatory" for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding.

• Fasting the month of Ramadan was made obligatory (wājib) during the month of Sha'aban, in the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina.

• Spiritual rewards (thawab) for fasting are also believed to be multiplied within the month of Ramadan.

• Fasting was also obligatory for prior nations, and is a way to attain taqwa, fear of God.

• Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers) and recitation of the Quran.

• It is believed that the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan which has been referred to as the "best of times". The first revelation was sent down on Laylat al-Qadr (The night of Power) which is one of the five odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. According to hadith, all holy scriptures were sent down during Ramadan.

• The ruling to observe fasting during Ramadan was sent down 18 months after Hijra, during the month of Sha'aban in the second year of Hijra in 624 CE.

• In some countries, failure to observe Ramadan results to prosecution or heavy fines. However, it has being understood that rate of crime and malpractices falls greatly at the time of Ramadan.
• Intentional eating or drinking, intentional vomiting, intentional sexual intercourse and menstrual or childbirth bleeding undisputedly invalidate or nullify Ramadan fasting. While, taking a shower; rinsing of mouth and nose; application eyeliner or eye drops; taking of injections; taking suppositories; tasting food with the tongue; inhaling different scents; kissing and embracing one's spouse; drawing blood; being in a state of janaabah and accidental consumption, on the other hand are permissible during fasting.

Nevertheless, there are some health benefits in fasting such as: brain function improvement and mental alertness, greatly reduced stress levels, a reduction of cholesterol, a reduction of blood glucose LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, increases in HDL(High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, Weight loss, preservation of muscle; decrease of waist circumference, decrease of body mass index, decrease of blood sugar, decrease of mean arterial pressure, better control of diabetes, reduced blood pressure; and a detoxification process.

Furthermore, having zest for fasting and abstaining from any act that may in a way or the other nullify its significance and purpose is a priceless element to utilize in the course of the season.

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