Ramadan and Fasting: A Simple Guide for Non-Muslims [2 min]

By Farhan Ahmed Khalid & Daniya Mahmood

Introduction

Every year, Muslims eagerly anticipate the coming of Ramadan, a month of reflection, devotion and spiritual renewal. But what is Ramadan? And why do Muslims fast? This article provides a simple and concise introduction to the concept of Ramadan and fasting in Islam.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar in which Muslims fast all around the world. The month of fasting lasts anywhere from 29 to 30 days, depending on the moon’s cycle. Hence, the month begins after the new (crescent) moon is observed in the sky of your country and ends on the sighting of the next new moon.

Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan shifts approximately 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar, meaning that over a lifetime, a Muslim will experience fasting in different seasons.

Why Fast?

Every major religion has prescribed some form of fasting, e.g. Lent in Christianity, Upavasa in Hinduism and Yom Kippur in Judaism to name a few. As for Muslims, God commands them:

“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.”

Holy Quran 2:184

This verse from the Holy Quran signifies that the purpose of fasting is to attain righteousness, i.e. developing higher moral qualities, self-restraint, undergo spiritual purification, adopting good habits and removing bad habits.

The fast commences with a pre-dawn meal known as Suhoor. The word سحور (Suhoor) is derived from the root word سحر (sahar), which means the time before dawn. The Muslims end their fast at sunset, this occasion is referred to as إفطار (Iftar), literally meaning ‘breaking the fast’.

What Can You Eat and Drink?

During the fast Muslims refrain from all food and drink (including water!). While fasting is an obligation, Islam is a religion of ease, not hardship and so the Holy Quran provides 3 categories of people for whom fasting is forbidden: (1) the sick; (2) those on a journey; and (3) those neither on a journey nor actually sick but otherwise too weak to fast except with real risk to their health. This covers groups such as pregnant women, children and the elderly.

What Else do Muslims do in Ramadan?

Apart from fasting, Muslims also make an increased effort to focus on their five daily prayers, e.g. praying on time at the Mosque with increased concentration and devotion. They perform extra voluntary prayers, known as نوافل (nawafil), and make an effort to recite and study the Holy Quran. In particular, nawafil during the night, known as tahajjud is especially emphasised. This is done on one’s own in solitude. However, a communal prayer of Ramadan is تراويح (Taraweeh), an extended night prayer where portions of the Quran are recited. Many Muslims strive to complete the entire Quran during this month.

Abstaining from food and drink through the practice of fasting instils a sense of empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate. Muslims are inspired towards greater acts of charity and self-reflection, developing good habits and eliminating bad habits. Ultimately, the aim is to strengthen your relationship with God.

What is the Purpose in All of This?

The Arabic word رمضان (Ramadan) is the dual form of a word from the Arabic root رمض, which signifies intense heat and burning. Thus, Ramadan literally means the two fires. This name reflects both the physical thirst experienced during fasting and the deeper spiritual purification that occurs through devotion and self-restraint. In this sacred month, sins are burned away through worship and devotion, and the heart is kindled with the warmth of love for God and humanity, aligning with the essence of true righteousness.

Just as fire purifies gold by removing its impurities, fasting purifies the soul by burning away bad habits, distractions and sins, leaving the believer spiritually refined and closer to God.

In conclusion, Ramadan and fasting is a form of worship for Muslims. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) beautifully stated:

“Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting. It is (exclusively) for Me, and I will give reward for it…”

“…The fasting person has two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord.”

Hadith Qudsi, Sahih al-Bukhari, 1904