What is Ramadan in Islam: A Complete Guide to Its Significance

The blessed month of Ramadan is a time of spirituality, reflection, and devotion. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guid you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ.

The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

Surah AL-Baqarah (2:185)

At Sabil Al Quran, take the opportunity this Ramadan to strengthen your bond with the Quran and its teachings.

What is Ramadan in Islam?

 The meaning of Ramadan is a sacred month of spiritual reflection, devotion, and discipline for Muslims around the world. It is believed to be the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, making it a time for deepening one’s connection with the holy text and seeking spiritual growth.

During this time, Muslims observe fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, as an essential act of worship. The fast begins at dawn, following the pre-dawn meal known as suhoor, and lasts until sunset, when iftar marks the end of the day’s fast.

Fasting during Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink; it is a comprehensive practice that also involves refraining from negative behaviors such as anger and impatience. It is a time for introspection, spiritual renewal, and heightened self-discipline.

Ramadan encourages believers to purify their hearts, seek forgiveness, and increase acts of kindness and charity, especially to those in need.

This holy month holds great significance in the Islamic lunar calendar, taking place in the 9th month. Ramadan is a time for communal worship, prayer, and service, fostering a sense of unity among Muslims worldwide. Since it is based on the lunar calendar, the start and end dates vary each year, moving approximately 11 days earlier annually.

This makes every Ramadan unique, with diverse customs, traditions, and celebrations marking the conclusion of fasting, especially the joyous holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin on March 1, 2025, depending on the moon sighting. The exact date can vary by region, as it’s determined by the first sighting of the new moon. Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a time for fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. The timing of Ramadan shifts by about 10–12 days each year, allowing Muslims to experience fasting in different seasons over time. Although the start date may differ slightly between regions, the core practices of Ramadan are observed universally.

The Duration and Purpose of Fasting

Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset, typically lasting between 11 to 16 hours depending on the time of year. This fast lasts for 29 to 30 days throughout the month of Ramadan.

During this period, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and, for married couples, from intimacy during daylight hours. Ramadan is seen as an opportunity for both physical and spiritual discipline, encouraging Muslims to avoid negative behaviors such as gossip, lying, or arguing.

It is a time for self-reflection, moral growth, and spiritual enhancement. Ramadan also fosters a sense of community, with Muslims gathering for meals and prayers at the mosque.

The primary purpose of fasting is to increase taqwa—God-consciousness, which means being constantly aware of Allah’s presence. This heightened awareness encourages self-discipline, self-restraint, and a stronger desire to do good while avoiding wrong. 

As part of commemorating the revelation of the Qur’an, Muslims strive to read and reflect upon the entire Qur’an during Ramadan. Additionally, the entire Qur’an is recited during special nightly prayers, known as Taraweeh.

Who Fasts In Ramadan?

In Islam, fasting during Ramadan is a fundamental practice for all Muslims who have reached puberty. However, exemptions are made for individuals who face significant challenges. This includes those who are ill, elderly, or physically incapable of fasting. 

Pregnant or nursing women, as well as travelers, are also given the option to skip fasting. Those who miss fasting due to these conditions are typically required to make up the missed fasts later, unless they are unable to do so due to chronic illness or old age. In such cases, they can compensate by feeding a poor person for each day they miss.

Children who have not reached puberty are not required to fast, but it is common for them to begin practicing fasting in a gradual manner, such as fasting for half days or on weekends. This helps them become accustomed to the spiritual benefits of fasting as they grow older.

Fasting is not only a religious practice but also offers incredible health benefits that positively affect both the body and mind. Let’s explore some of these countless benefits.

Benefits of Fasting

Let’s take a look at how this spiritual practice can enhance our physical and mental health in ways that may be surprising.

1. Improves Blood Sugar Control:
   Studies suggest that fasting may help improve insulin sensitivity, which reduces insulin resistance and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. This could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
2. Reduces Inflammation:
   Fasting may help lower inflammation levels in the body, which is beneficial for preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Studies have found that fasting can reduce inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein.
3. Improves Heart Health:
   Research indicates that fasting can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
4. Boosts Brain Function and Prevents Neurodegenerative Diseases:
   Animal studies suggest that fasting can enhance brain health by increasing nerve cell production and protecting against conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
5. Aids Weight Loss:
   Fasting helps reduce calorie intake and boosts metabolism, contributing to weight loss, especially fat loss, and reduction in belly fat.
6. Increases Growth Hormone Secretion:
   Fasting stimulates the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH), which is crucial for muscle growth, metabolism, and weight loss.
7. May Extend Longevity:
   Animal studies show that fasting could potentially increase lifespan and delay aging, although more research on humans is needed.
8. Cancer Prevention and Chemotherapy Effectiveness:
   Fasting may slow tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy in some cases, but more high-quality studies are required to fully understand its impact on cancer treatment.

The Religious Significance of Ramadan

The religious significance of Ramadan in Islam is profound and multi-dimensional, making it one of the most sacred months for Muslims worldwide. Here are the key aspects that highlight its importance:

1. Fasting as an Act of Worship
   Ramadan is primarily known for the practice of fasting (Sawm), where Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset. This act is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental acts of worship and the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice.
2. Revelation of the Quran
   Ramadan is also the month in which the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Night of Decree, or Laylat al-Qadr, which falls during the last ten days of Ramadan, is believed to be the night when the Quran was first sent down. It is a time for intense reflection, worship, and prayer.
3. Spiritual Cleansing and Self-Discipline
   Ramadan serves as a period of spiritual purification. By fasting, Muslims are encouraged to detach themselves from worldly distractions and focus on personal reflection, devotion, and a deeper connection with Allah. It is a time to strengthen one’s faith, practice self-control, and engage in acts of kindness and charity.
4. Emphasis on Charity and Community
   Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) is a vital part of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to be generous and share with those less fortunate. Many Muslims pay their annual Zakat (obligatory charity) during this month, and community iftar gatherings further reinforce the sense of brotherhood and solidarity.
5. A Time for Reflection and Prayer
   Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims to intensify their prayers (Salah) and recitation of the Quran. Many strive to complete the entire Quran during the month by attending special Taraweeh prayers at the mosque, which are held every night throughout Ramadan.
6. The Reward and Forgiveness from Allah
   Ramadan is a time of immense spiritual reward. Muslims believe that fasting and other acts of worship performed during this blessed month bring them closer to Allah, earning forgiveness for past sins and an increase in good deeds.
7. Renewed Commitment to Faith
   Ramadan is a time for Muslims to renew their commitment to Islam. The month reinforces the importance of living a life in accordance with Islamic principles and reminds individuals of the value of patience, humility, and gratitude.

Ramadan, therefore, is not only a time for physical fasting but also a month of spiritual renewal, increased worship, and a deepening of faith. It fosters a sense of unity among Muslims and brings them closer to their Creator.

In conclusion, Ramadan in Islam is much more than a month of fasting. It is a time for spiritual reflection, increased worship, and drawing closer to Allah. Through fasting, continuous recitation of the Quran, and engaging in charitable activities, Muslims strengthen their faith and experience spiritual purification. Ramadan offers an opportunity for gratitude, humility, patience, and helps build stronger community bonds among Muslims worldwide. It is a divine gift for believers to enhance both their spiritual and physical well-being.

FAQ About What is Ramadan in Islam