Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month in which, Muslims believe, the angel Gabriel began to reveal the Qur’an to Muhammad in a cave near Mecca around 610. The Qur’an itself commands the fast: “Fasting is prescribed for you… so that you may be mindful of God.”

The fast teaches self-discipline, gratitude and compassion for those who go hungry. It is a month of drawing near to God through prayer, reading the Qur’an and giving.

Before dawn families eat a meal called suhursuhur The meal eaten before dawn during Ramadan. Glossary. From first light to sunset they take no food or drink. At sunset the fast is broken, often with dates and water as the Prophet did, followed by the evening prayer and the iftariftar The meal that breaks the fast at sunset during Ramadan. Glossary meal, frequently shared with friends, neighbours and strangers.

At night many attend special prayers, tarawih, in which the whole Qur’an is recited over the month. Giving to the poor is especially encouraged, and the obligatory charity of zakat al-fitr is paid before the end of the month.

Cities across the Muslim world change their rhythm: shops open late, streets fill after sunset, and lanterns are hung, especially in Egypt. In many countries a cannon or siren announces the end of the fast. In Western cities mosques and community groups hold open iftars for neighbours of all faiths.