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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community

It is the month during which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, and other physical needs

The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, and the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called suhur

Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer, reading of the Quran, and charitable deeds. The spiritual rewards of fasting are to be multiplied during this holy month

The rules of fasting during Ramadan are quite specific and are meant to ensure that the fast is observed properly. Here are the key rules:

1. Intention (Niyyah): Before dawn each day, Muslims must make an intention to fast. This intention can be made in the heart and does not need to be verbalized.
2. Fasting Hours: Fasting begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib). During these hours, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and marital relations.
3. Pre-Dawn Meal (Suhur): It is recommended to eat a meal before dawn to help sustain the fast throughout the day.
4. Breaking the Fast (Iftar): The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called iftar. Traditionally, this begins with eating dates and drinking water, followed by a larger meal.
5. Avoiding Sinful Behavior: Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink. Muslims are also encouraged to avoid sinful behavior such as lying, gossiping, and arguing.
6. Exemptions: Certain individuals are exempt from fasting, including children, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, travelers, and those who are ill. These individuals may make up the missed fasts at a later time or provide a meal to a needy person for each missed day.
7. Making Up Missed Fasts: If a fast is missed for a valid reason, it should be made up before the next Ramadan. Alternatively, fidya (a form of compensation) can be given by feeding a needy person.
8. Spiritual Focus: Ramadan is a time for increased prayer, reading of the Quran, and performing good deeds. The spiritual aspect of fasting is just as important as the physical abstention.

There are special prayers during Ramadan known as Taraweeh prayers. These are extra prayers performed by Sunni Muslims at night in the Islamic month of Ramadan. Here are some key points about Taraweeh:

1. Timing: Taraweeh prayers are performed after the Isha (night) prayer and can continue late into the night.
2. Recitation of the Quran: During Taraweeh, the entire Quran is often recited over the course of the month. This means that each night, a portion of the Quran is read.
3. Congregational Prayer: While Taraweeh can be prayed individually, it is highly recommended to perform them in congregation at the mosque.
4. Number of Raka’ahs: The number of units (raka’ahs) in Taraweeh can vary. Traditionally, it is 20 raka’ahs, but some people pray 8 raka’ahs followed by 3 raka’ahs of Witr prayer.

In addition to Taraweeh, Muslims also engage in increased personal prayers, reading of the Quran, and other acts of worship during Ramadan.