Resources dedicated to helping the Chicago Muslim Convert/Revert

Ramadhan (رمضان; Also spelled Ramadan) is the name of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, which is the basis for the Islamic calendar. The beginning and end of Ramadhan are determined based on the sighting of the moon, as the Prophet Mohammed – Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) – stated in a hadith (حديث, reports of sayings, doings, or contentions of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم)): "Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramadan) observe fast. and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days.” (Reference: Hadith Related by Muslim, Book 6, #2378–2381) and "Do not fast unless you see the crescent (of Ramadan), and do not give up fasting till you see the crescent (of Shawwal), but if the sky is overcast (if you cannot see it), then act on estimation (i.e. count Sha'ban as 30 days)." (Reference: Hadith related by Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, #130–133) The beginning of Ramadhan moves backward ~ 11 days every year relative to the solar calendar, depending on the moon, and lasts either 29 or 30 days.

You may find that different sources cite Ramadhan as starting on a different day. Different mosques within the same city may even state different starting days. This stems from a projected estimate made beforehand of when the sighting of the moon is anticipated. The start date is only known conclusively on the preceding night. Traditionally, that was determined with the naked eye. More recently, however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to minimize this confusion (for more information regarding the validity of this approach, please read this article by ISNA), but even such an approach may enforce different starting days within a country that is widespread geographically, such as the United States, Russia, or China. There is no harm in still adopting the astronomical approach and having different starting times for different geographical locations. It is up to you to decide with which group you will start fasting, but remain consistent in starting and concluding with the same group, and be sure to fast for the prescribed number of days. This means you may begin fasting a day off from some of your peers, and may celebrate Eid Al-Fitr a day off from your peers. Some people fast every year with the first group to begin fasting, which may be a different group each year.

Why is the 9th Month Special?
Ramadhan is the month in which the first verses of the Qur'ân (القرآن) were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم). Allâh (الله), subhanahu wa-ta’ala (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) says in the Qur’an “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'ân, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days.” (Reference: Qur'ân 2:185, Surat Al-Baqarah (Chapter: The Heifer)).

What do Muslims Do during Ramadhan?
During this month, Muslims fast and reflect more, review their actions and how they are leading their lives, and rejuvenate and enhance their spirituality. Fasting requires Muslims to abstain from food, drink, marital relations, and ill-conduct.

Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'ân during Ramadhan by means of a prayer that is practised during Ramadhan (Taraweeh, صلاة التراويح), which is generally held in mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'ân (Juz, جزء), which is 1/30 of the Qur'ân is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'ân would be completed at the end of the month. Taraweeh prayers can alternatively be performed at home.

Ramadhan is an ideal rejuvenation period for filtering out bad habits, and developing virtuous character, and was referred to by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) as a shield against evil and wrongfulness. Muslims are obligated to nurture their noble qualities, control their passions, their anger and emotions. Muslims are instructed to be considerate, generous, and compassionate.

Why do Muslims Fast during Ramadhan?
Fasting during the month of Ramadhan is a pillar of Islam (please visit this page for information about the pillars), and helps Muslims grow closer to Allâh (SWT سبحانه وتعالى). Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) says in the Qur’an “O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious).” (Reference: Qur'ân 2:183, Surat Al-Baqarah (Chapter: The Heifer)).

When done responsibly and sincerely, fasting has a number of spiritual, psychological, and health-related benefits, and is considered by Muslims as a means to improve moral character. Fasting is not prescribed to merely make us experience some hunger and thirst, is not meant to just deprive us some of our comforts and conveniences, but it also reminds us to be more conscious of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. It is a period during which one strive to do one's best in living by the orders of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and in avoiding His prohibitions, to worship Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), to ponder faith and develop sincerity in faith, and to ponder past sins and repent.

Fasting is an invisible act. Only Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and the person who is fasting know whether the person is truly fasting with pure intentions. On the other hand, being capable of fasting is not something to brag about. Fasting

• teaches appreciation, humility, and how to control and discipline our desires,
• elevates a human above other creatures,
• teaches how to say “no” to things that are otherwise permissible and good, but are forbidden during the period of fasting. When one learns how to say “no” to that which is generally permissible, then one can easily control oneself to avoid that which is forbidden,
• tends to serve well beyond the duration of Ramadhan, in terms of reflection, self- betterment, etc, to serve at least for an entire year before the Holy month is reached once again, when the improvement could be rejuvenated, reinforced, and ideally enhanced,
• is intended in part for people to revise their paths,
• through the month of Ramadhan is in a way an important station that Muslims stop by, and is a good and thorough reminder,
• provides a taste —to some extent— the pain and suffering of those who are poor and destitute,
• promotes and motivates providing for the poor,
• teaches empathy and sympathy, and works to minimize or cure selfishness and self-centeredness.

Who Fasts during Ramadhan?
Fasting in Ramadhan is required of all mature Muslims (past puberty) who are physically and mentally healthy. It is a false and baseless suggestion that such able individuals could exempt themselves from fasting by paying charity or feeding the poor or performing similar acts, in lieu of each day they choose not to fast. Fasting is mandatory for individuals who are physically and mentally healthy. Those who are legitimately exempted from fasting are the chronically ill and the elderly who would experience a struggle or would find fasting to be of threatening health consequences or of overbearing difficulty, and these individuals must endeavor to feed a poor or needy person in lieu of each missed day of fasting. Those who may take a break from fasting during Ramadhan include the ill (non-chronic, where fasting will be overbearing or will delay the recovery or will adversely affect the illness) and travelers – both of whom have to make up for the missed days by fasting at a later time during the year, before the start of the next month of Ramadhan. Allâh (SWT سبحانه وتعالى) says: “and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allâh intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allâh [i.e. to say Takbîr (Allâhu-Akbar; Allâh is the Most Great) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” (Reference: Qur'ân 2:185 Surat Al-Baqarah (Chapter: The Heifer)).

Islamic scholars instruct followers that women must suspend their fasting during menstruation, and are required to make up for the missed days (the Qur'an does not directly address this topic; there is no hadith within the Muslim hadith collection on this topic; there is one hadith within the Bukhari collection on this topic). Please refer to this Islam Q&A page or this Islam Q&A page for more information.

In addition, suckling mothers and pregnant women who feel that fasting will be harmful to them or their baby may be exempted, and are potentially required to make up for their missed days, as much as there is sufficient time for them to do that before the start of the next Ramadhan. It is common, however, that the pregnancy period followed by breast feeding oblige the woman to avoid fasting for that entire lunar year, in which case it is a common view to compensate for missed fasting days by feeding a poor or needy person for each missed day.

How Long is Each Day of Fasting?
Fasting is from dawn, just before the start of Fajr (صلاة الفجر) prayer period, to sunset, at the time of the Maghrib (صلاة المغرب) prayer, throughout the month of Ramadhan. You may notice on daily prayer schedules that a time period is cited next to the Fajr prayer, extending from dawn to sunrise; note that fasting begins at the earlier of the two times (Imsak, إمساك), i.e. just before the Fajr prayer announcement (athan, أذآن). For more information on praying and the prayer schedule, please visit our prayer guide page.

What is a Typical Day Like During Ramadhan? Are There Special Ramadhan Prayers or Activities?

Pre-Dawn Meal 'Suhoor'
It is recommended that the day of fasting begins with late-night / pre-dawn meal (suhoor سحور), including some liquids. Some people cook or re-heat larger meals, and some people have simple snacks such as granola bars and water.

One may find benefit in avoiding eating foods high in certain sugars and starches and simple carbs, as these raise blood glucose and trigger hunger first thing in the morning. Instead of 'simple carbs' look for foods comprised of 'complex carbs'. Complex carbohydrates break down slowly in your body, helping to maintain a normal blood sugar level. Complex carbs are found in nuts, whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Complex carbs cause one to feel fuller and thus a person does not have to eat as much. A simple way to find which food will be best for suhoor is to search for foods with a low number on the Glycomic Index (click on the 'GI Database' link to search). Foods like hummus, peanuts, whole milk then skim milk, yogurt, kidney beans/soy beans, soy milk, peas, white rice, yams, lentils, apples/cherries/grapefruit/peaches/prunes/dried apricots/bananas/carrots/oranges/pears, hot cereal, mixed nuts & raisins seem to be low in GI and therefore probably good to eat for a pre-fasting morning meal. There are many specific snack bars/nutrition bars/granola bars listed on that site as well. Regarding starches, the best starchy foods are whole beans or lentils. The starch is mostly either slowly-digested starch or resistant starch (though canned beans are more fully digested than ones cooked from the dried state). When choosing grains, eat ones which are whole and intact when cooked, such as brown rice, barley, amaranth, or quinoa. Avoid most baked goods or anything made with flour. Best choices are specially-made low carb breads which have less starch and more fiber. Avoid processed cereals with little fiber. Best choices are cold cereals, such as All-Bran with Extra Fiber, are which are mostly fiber.

You can plan to eat well before the Fajr prayer athan (before Imsak), and be sure to give yourself enough time to prepare your food, eat, brush your teeth, perform the ablution before prayer (Wudu’u, وضوء), before the Fajr prayer ‘call to prayer’ (athan) is announced, which defines the beginning of the fast period.

Fajr Prayer - Fasting Begins
The Fajr prayer ‘call to prayer’ (athan) time defines the beginning of the fast period. If you need to brush your teeth or perform Wudu’u after the Fajr prayer athan is announced, then exercise caution to avoid swallowing water or food that may be stuck between your teeth. You can pray Fajr after its athan is announced, and before the beginning of sunrise.Depending on the time of Fajr, you may start your day at that time or you may go back to bed.

Daytime
During the day, you should resume your life activities as normal. Some people are able to continue gym activities while others are unable – you will need to make responsible judgement on what your body can handle, and you may opt to exercise at night instead, when you are able to snack and drink water. It is not acceptable to irresponsibly exercise or physically exert oneself in strenuous fashion at the wrong times (e.g. early in the morning) to a point that renders fasting potentially harmful or to a point that would force the individual to break the fast in order to avoid immediate health complications. Fasting is a responsible act of faith and one should plan accordingly to make it successful and beneficial. Most people who exercise during Ramadhan do so in the late afternoon period, shortly before the end of the fasting period, or at night. You may notice others around you drinking coffee in the morning, having lunch, and eating dinner earlier than you, and if someone invites you to a meal, thank them, and just respond by saying "I'm fasting." (Reference: Hadith related by Mulsim, Book 6, #2562/3). It may help you to distract yourself or go for a walk over lunch or while others are having dinner. Lunch and evening are great times to schedule time with your Muslim friends who are experiencing the same challenges as you.

Sunset and Maghrib Prayer, Breaking of the Fast
When sunset occurs / the Maghrib prayer athan is announced, Muslims traditionally “break of the fast” with dates (if available) and water, as the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) is believed to have done. After breaking the fast with dates and water, the Maghrib (sunset) prayer is performed, followed by a meal (Iftar إفطار). Many people break the fast with family and friends. If you would like to attend an Iftar with a 'buddy', please contact us.

Eisha Prayer then Evening Taraweeh Prayers
After breaking the fast and performing the Isha (صلاة العشاء) prayer (the last of the five mandatory prayers during the day), Muslims typically perform an additional prayer called “Taraweeh” (صلاة التراويح), which is composed of either 8 or 20 raka’ats (ركعات plural of raka'a ركعة - a complete cycle of Standing (Qiyam), Bowing (Ruku'), First Prostration (Sujud), Sitting (Tashahhud), and Second Prostration (Sujud) is collectively known as 'one raka'a of prayer). These prayers are supported by hadith: The Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven." (Reference: Hadith Narrated Abu Huraira in Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 37).The Taraweeh prayer is not obligatory, but is a very typical prayer that further distinguishes Ramadhan from any other time during the year and offers an opportunity for Muslims to collectively intensify their prayers and remembrance of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) during the Holy Month. Typically, Taraweeh is conducted in mosques, where in some cases as much as 1/30th of the Qur’an is recited every Ramadhan evening. Some congregations would have the complete Qur’an recited by the end of the Holy month. Some Muslims opt to perform the Taraweeh prayer at home, on some or all days of the month.

Typically during the month of Ramadan, Muslims try to read the entire Qur'an. Most copies of the Qur'an have special symbols to separate the Qur'an into 30 parts so a designated portion can be read each day. The Qur'an is also available on many smartphones with features beneficial to converts. The Verizon Android phone has an application called 'iQuran' (a free version and a paid version is available). Both versions have easy-to-read text in Arabic and translations in English, and both also have audio recitations which can be beneficial when learning how to pronounce the Arabic. This application has the Qur'an split into 30 parts and allow users to 'bookmark' parts. A similar application for iPhone is 'alQuran'.

If you would like to celebrate Iftar with someone, send a request via our buddy page and we’ll include you in a night of traditional activities.

What is an Evening at a Mosque Like During Ramadan? What is the Order of Prayers, etc?
During Ramadan evenings, many mosques in Chicago offer dates or fruit to break the fast, conduct the Maghrib and Iisha (صلاة العشاء) prayer (the last 2 of the five mandatory prayers during the day), provide an Iftar dinner, and conduct an additional prayer called “Taraweeh” (صلاة التراويح - see description above regarding the Taraweeh prayer). The order of events at a mosque is typically as follows, but may vary with each mosque. You may want to call a mosque beforehand to understand their offerings. Note that Sufi mosques and some cultural mosques (like Turkish and Albanian mosques) conduct Taraweeh quite differently than is described below. The Downtown Islamic Center, Muslim Community Center, and Mosque Foundation of Orland Park are similar in their Ramadan evening offers, which aligns with the description below.

1. Five or ten minutes before Iftar (the time for Maghrib صلاة المغرب prayer) is a recommended time to make du'a (دعاء - prayer as in supplication to Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), e.g. asking forgiveness, enlightenment, being granted strength/patience). Many people will be in the main prayer room saying their du'a as the time for sunset approaches.
2. The Athan (أذآن - call to prayer) will be announced, indicating Maghrib time has arrived and it is time to break fast. Dates, fruit, water, or juice will be provided in a large space in the mosque for the congregants to break their fast.
3. The Iqama (إقامة - call for summoning people to line up for prayer) for Maghrib will be announced about 10-15 minutes later, to allow congregants time to break the fast and walk to the main prayer room. Then the Maghrib prayer is conducted in a group in the main prayer room.
4. After the Maghrib prayer, the group goes to a large space for Iftar where food will be provided for free or for purchase. The congregants will eat and socialize, and sometimes go home or go to the main prayer hall and read the Qur’an, until the Athan and Iqama (call to prayer) for Isha (صلاة العشاء) is announced.
5. The ‘Call to Prayer’ for Isha is announced, and congregants walk to the main prayer room. Then the Isha prayer is conducted in a group.
6. After a short break lasting a few minutes, the Taraweeh prayer will begin and will comprise of 8 or 20 raka’ats. The Taraweeh prayer generally consists of 20 raka’ats broken into 10 sets of 2 raka’at prayers. After one set of 2 raka'at prayer is completed, the congregation will typically stand up immediately for the next set of 2 raka'at prayer. After two such sets are completed (two sets of two raka'at prayers, or four raka'at in total), there is a rest period of about 30 seconds to five minutes (at Sufi mosques, a special verse is audibly recited by the congregation after each four raka'at). Fundraising or announcements may take during this break. If the Taraweeh prayer does comprise of 20 raka’ats, some people will quietly leave after eight raka’at.

This process is supported by several ahadith, one of which is: The Prophet said “Night prayer is offered as two raka'at followed by two raka'at and so on, and if you want to finish it, pray only one raka'a which will be Witr for all the previous raka'at." (Reference: Hadith Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar in Bukhari Volume 2, Book 16, Number 107)

Generally, many mosques have a group of Huffaz (plural of Hafiz) lead Taraweeh . The Huffaz will recite a sequential portion of the Qur’an during each raka'a after the Surah Al-Fatiha, covering one Juz (or 1/30th) of the Qur’an each night. In actuality, slightly more than one Juz is recited each night so that the Qur’an can be completed by the 27th night of Ramadan, which is hoped by many to be Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power).

7. Often, there will be a short lecture given by a scholar which provides an explanation of the portion of Qur’an recited that night in Taraweeh. Depending on the mosque, this short lecture may be given prior to Taraweeh, sometime during Taraweeh (typically after eight or ten raka’ats) or after the completion of Taraweeh.
8. After the 20th raka'at, while everyone is still seated, the Imam will lead a long du’a.
9. After the du'a, the Imam will lead a three raka'at ‘Witr’ prayer (please see description below about the witr prayer, which is conducted slightly differently than a typical prayer).

About the Witr Prayer
This description of the Witr prayer is provided from this website: http://islam1.org/how_to_pray/witr.htm

In Witr prayers, recite Surah Al-Fatihah (“The Opening” of the Qur’an) and some other verses from the Qur'an. Before or after Rukoo' (bowing) of the last rakat raise your hands high up to the level of the shoulders and supplicate the following du'a (supplication) with your hands raised towards the sky. This du'a is called du'a al-Qunut:

"Allahumma Ihdeni Fiman Hadayt, Wa A’feni Fiman A’fayt, Watawallani Fiman Tawallayt, Wabarek li Fima A’atayt, Waqeni Sharra Ma Qadayt, Fainaka Taqdi WalaYuqda 'Alayk, Wainnahu La Yadhilu Man Walayt, Tabarakta Rabbana Wat’alayt.”

اللهم اهدني فيمن هديت، وعا فني فيمن عا فيت، و تولني فيمن توليت، وبارك لي فيما أعطيت، وقني شر ما قضيت، فإنك تقضي ولا يقضى عليك، وإنه لا يذل من واليت، تباركت ربنا وتعاليت.

This means: “O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided. Grant me safety among those whom You have granted safety. Take me into Your charge among those whom You have taken into Your charge. Bless me in what You have given me. Protect me from the evil that You have decreed, for You decree and nothing is decreed for You. And there is no humiliation for whom You take as a ward. Blessed and exalted are You, our Lord.”

After this, say: "Allahu Akbar" and bow down and complete the rest of prayer like other prayers.

It is good to ask for forgiveness and mercy from Allah at the end of your Salat. You can say this in your own words and in your own language. But it is better for you to memorize some Du'as (supplications prayers) from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) in Arabic.

For Hadith within the Bukhari collection regarding Witr, please visit this page.

About the Taraweeh prayers:
These prayers are supported by hadith: The Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven." (Reference: Hadith Narrated Abu Huraira in Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 37).The Taraweeh prayer is not obligatory, but is a very typical prayer that further distinguishes Ramadhan from any other time during the year and offers an opportunity for Muslims to collectively intensify their prayers and remembrance of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) during the Holy Month. Typically, Taraweeh is conducted in mosques, where in some cases as much as 1/30th of the Qur’an is recited every Ramadhan evening. Some congregations would have the complete Qur’an recited by the end of the Holy month. Some Muslims opt to perform the Taraweeh prayer at home, on some or all days of the month.

What Happens if I Accidentally (Out of Forgetfulness) “Break the Fast”?
It is possible for a person to accidentally eat or drink (e.g. accidentally swallowing water when taking a shower, or during a moment of forgetfulness accepting an invitation to taste a food item) while fasting, perhaps out of forgetfulness or driven by a some daily pattern or habit (e.g. tasting food during cooking, or sipping water from a water fountain on the way out of the gym or during exercise). Such accidental consumption does not constitute breaking the fast, and the person should continue on and complete their fast. The Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) says: “If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been given to him by Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى).” (Reference: Hadith related by Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, #154) and “If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah Who has fed him and given him drink.” (Reference: Hadith related by Muslim, Book 6, #2575) Once a person who accidentally or forgetfully ate or drank realizes and remembers that they are fasting, they should refrain from eating/drinking immediately, and should attempt to spit out and thoroughly clear their mouth from remnants of the food or drink that was accidentally taken. The fast on any day when such accidental food/drink consumption occurs remains completely valid, and there is no requirement to make up for that day nor is making expiation/atonement (kafaara, كفّارة) required for that day. This equally applies to the situation when an individual forgets that they are fasting and engages in an act of intimacy (or intercourse) with their spouse that would otherwise break their fast. On the other hand, breaking a fast voluntarily and intentionally (without a legitimate reason) is a major sin, since fasting is mandatory and is one of the five pillars of Islam.

What Can I Expect from my Body While Fasting?
During the latter part of each day of fasting, the body commonly goes into starvation mode. Due to the starvation period being brief (of the order of a few hours), starvation during fasting will rarely cause health complications. On the contrary, controlled starvation, as opposed to malnutrition, could constitute a healthy experience. During starvation, the body inevitably taps into and likely depletes its liver glucose reserves, and the process of synthesizing glucose from fats / lipids for energy is exercised for relatively lengthy periods of time, compared with other non-fasting days. This process may have otherwise been avoided or very limited throughout the remainder of the year, particularly when a person has a habit of consuming food whenever their body demands it. On the other hand, such a metabolic switch during fasting may initially cause some discomfort and may give a stinging feel of hunger, particularly in the first few days of fasting, as the body begins to “acclimate”. The patience, endurance, and self-discipline required to complete the fast are part of the purpose of fasting. The specific discomforts and their degrees vary from individual to another, and one can mitigate some by being mindful of their own vulnerabilities and weaknesses. For example, some people experience headaches and migraines when they refrain from consuming caffeine in the morning, in which case they could plan ahead by minimizing their caffeine intake before Ramadhan starts. Others are aware of certain foods that may make them excessively thirsty (e.g. salty cheese, beans, fried foods) and could avoid such foods in the late night snack before fasting. Other examples include avoiding foods that may make one experience constipation or diarrhea when consumed on an empty stomach after a fasting period, or when consumed ahead of the fasting period. In the end, fasting requires reasonable planning and could serve as an opportunity to adopt a healthy and safe diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, nutritional foods, more fiber, less caffeine, etc), and the fasting period could then also serve as a period of detoxification of the body. It could also serve as a period of controlled diet or weight control, but bear in mind that the intention behind fasting that is harboured within the person should be purely for obeying Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and complying with a pillar of Islam, and not mixed with other intentions (e.g. fasting for the sake of losing weight).

A significant portion of the challenge and discomfort that are experienced during fasting is of a mental origin. Do not feel like you are punishing yourself, and remember how, unlike many people and even nations worldwide, your fast is initiated by you and is not an off-guard occurrence nor an imposition, is of a foreseen duration, is controlled, anticipated, could and should be planned for, is of a rhythmic nature that allows reliable scheduling and also allows the body to acclimate to a pattern. More importantly, it may be a strong lofty reminder of how you may be considered among the few who are able to afford something as basic as a healthy meal, including being able to furnish it when desired and right on time, at free will. Such a comfort of being able to secure the food of desire at the end of each day of fasting is indeed a blessing that many take for granted. You have much to be thankful for. The lasting memory of this vital reminder could serve you until the time of the next Ramadhan, and may build your appreciation of what is available to you throughout the year, perhaps even as you grab something as non-extravagant as your morning cup of coffee after Ramadhan ends!

Are There Any Special Nights during Ramadhan? What is Laylat al-Qadr?
Laylat Al-Qadr (لیلة القدر), meaning "the night of decree" is the night in Ramdhan when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم)). Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) says: “Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Power. (1) Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Night of Power is! (2) The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. (3) The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees. (4) (The night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn. (5) ” (Reference: Qur'ân 97 Surat Al-Qadr (Chapter: The Decree)).

Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year. It is clear that the night of Al-Qadr is mentioned in the Qur’an as being of great significance and its significance is reiterated in hadith: "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allâh, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allâh, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Reference: Hadith related by Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, #125) Muslims often intensify their prayers on and around that night. Laylat Al-Qadr is known to have occurred in the last 10 days of Ramadhan, and it is believed that it has occurred on the night of an odd-numbered Ramadhan day, popularly believed to happen to be the last odd-numbered Tuesday in Ramadhan. With this view, the last odd-numbered Tuesday will fall on different days within the last ten days of Ramadhan on consecutive years, e.g. Tuesday the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th of Ramadhan. Generally, Muslims intensify their prayers throughout the last 10 days of Ramadhan, but extra prayers and Qur’an recitations, extending late into the night, are often held on the night that is observed to be Laylat Al-Qadr. In many countries, Laylat Al-Qadr is consistently observed on the night of the 27th or 23rd day of Ramdhan. Check with your local mosque on when this night will be observed. On Laylat Al-Qadr, additional late-night prayers and Qur’anic recitations are performed. Typically, mosques hold additional prayers starting past midnight, extending for an hour or two or more, and most people stay up late or wake up in order to participate in these extra prayers. Others stay in the mosque after the Eisha prayer or come prior to the prayer to recite from the Qur’an until the prayer starts. Some people stay extra hours in the mosque on all the last 10 days of Ramadhan, reciting from the Qur’an and performing additional prayers. There is no prescribed timing or limitation on how many raka'ats and for how long one could extend the prayers on Laylat Al-Qadr. If you would like someone to go to the Laylat Al-Qadr prayer with you, please reach out to us on the Buddy Page.

Note that the two official annual celebrations for Muslims remain as Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha only (for more information, please visit our Islamic Dates & Holidays page). As such, Muslims do no perform any celebration per se on Laylat Al-Qadr, just like they do not have religious grounds to perform a celebration on the anniversary of birth day of the Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم)). Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) instructs the Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم)): “Say (O Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم)): "I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God — i.e. Allâh). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” (Reference: Qur'ân 18:110 Surat Al-Kahf (Chapter: The Cave)).

Do you have tips on food to eat each night after breaking the fast (Iftar)?
Some people may experience sensitive stomachs during fasting and find that heavy foods, fried foods, and large meals will cause sudden upset stomach shortly after breaking the fast. You will need to learn what foods agree with you during Ramadhan.

What happens when Ramadhan Ends? What is Eid Al-Fitr?
The celebration marking the end of Ramdhan (after 29 or 30 days of fasting) is a three-day period referred to as “Eid Al-Fitr” (عيد الفطر), which means the festival of breaking/ending the fast. Eid Al-Fitr is (the smaller) one of the two official Muslim holidays (the other is “Eid Al-Adha” عيد الاضحى), which is four days long and which overlaps with the annual time of pilgrimage).

Muslims may refer to Eid-ul Fitr (or Eid Al-Adha) simply as “Eid” or “The Eid”, and typically greet each other on Eid with the greeting “Eid Mubarak” (عيد مبارك) which means “Blessed Eid”. Your response can be “To you and us”, or by reciprocating with “Eid Mubarak”.

Please visit the Eid Al-Fitr page on this website for details regarding Eid AL-Fitr, including details about the Eid prayer.

Bear in mind during Ramadhan:

1- Extra spending on food and indulging in extravagant feasts during night are by no means representative of the true spirit of Ramadhan. Such behavior may be regarded as contrary to what Ramadhan teaches in terms of experiencing a taste of what the poor and destitute feel like. This is not to suggest that consuming a regular, balanced, healthy, and a complete meal after sunset is discouraged or prohibited. On the other hand, breaking fast at sunset should not be translated into a “green light” to start night-time binge eating, and that also appears in contrast with the spirit in the manner the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) broke his fast with simple foods, like parched barley. (Reference: Hadith related by Muslim, Book 6, #2422–4)

2- Ramadhan should not be considered as a month of labour paralysis or excused inefficiency. Working Muslims have no right to avoid or intentionally reduce exerting sincere effort during their working hours by using fasting as an excuse. Islam urges Muslims to do their best at any task, even while fasting.

3- Whilst spending more time with family members and socializing with relatives is encouraged in Ramadhan, this should not result in precious time being lost in hollow or vain talk. The occasion should rather be availed for remembering Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), offering additional prayers, reflecting and supporting, and giving money or food or clothing to the needy, etc.

4- Of ill-conduct or engaging in sinful acts, including bad speech, during Ramadhan, the Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) says: "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" (Reference: Hadith related by Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, #127) Ramadhan is a good time to turn a new page and repent from forbidden acts such as illegitimate relationships. Read more about Islam's position on dating and legitimate matrimony on this page.

5- Just as it is prohibited to fast the first day of Eid, i.e. the day right after Ramadan ends (Reference: Hadith related by Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, #211, #212, & #215; Hadith related by Muslim, Book 6, #2533–2539), it is also prohibited to fast the two days before Ramadhan, i.e. as it is being anticipated and awaited. (Reference: Hadith related by Muslim, Book 6, #2382, #2383).