What is Ramadan?

Detailed answer

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. For the whole month, adult Muslims who are able to do so fast every day from dawn until sunset: no food, no drink and no intimate relations during daylight hours. It is the most important month of the year for Muslims and a time of worship, self-discipline and generosity.

What the Quran says

Ramadan is the only month named in the Quran. Allah describes it as the month in which the Quran was sent down, "a guidance for people and clear proofs of guidance" (Al-Baqarah 2:185). In the same passage, fasting is made obligatory for believers "so that you may become mindful of Allah" (Al-Baqarah 2:183). Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

What Muslims do in Ramadan

• Fasting: a pre-dawn meal (suhoor), then no eating or drinking until sunset, when the fast is broken with iftar, often with dates and water.
• Prayer: besides the five daily prayers, many attend the special night prayer called Taraweeh.
• Quran: many try to read the whole Quran during the month.
• Charity: giving to the poor, feeding others and paying Zakat al-Fitr before Eid.
• Good character: avoiding lying, arguing and backbiting, and mending relationships.

The last ten nights are especially important because they include Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, which the Quran describes as better than a thousand months. The month ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Who is excused?

Islam makes fasting easy for those who would struggle. Children, people who are ill, travellers, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding have special rules, and the Quran makes clear that Allah wants ease, not hardship, for His servants.

When is Ramadan 2027?

Ramadan 2027 (1448 AH) is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, although some countries may start a day later after the moon sighting. Check Ramadan dates in your country, and read more about why Muslims fast and who has to fast.