Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan is a significant month in the Islamic calendar, known for being a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community service. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed by Muslims worldwide in the holy month of Ramadan. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran (Muslim holy book) to Prophet Muhammad and is observed by Muslims worldwide.

“While fasting we are supposed to have self control of our emotions. We abstain from food, drink, conflict and intimate relations until the call to prayer for maghrib. The experience is a reset for your mind, body and soul. It’s supposed to be like a fresh start to do better and be better.” – F. Adam

“During fasting, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset, and practice self control by abstaining from intimacy, anger, conflict and arguments. It is about being kind to people and acknowledging their struggles and hardship, being empathetic and helping people by giving charity.” – A. Misbah

What is it?

Ramadan is a special time for Muslims all around the world. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the daytime. There is a morning meal before the sun comes up called Suhoor and a night meal after the sun goes down called Iftar.

Mosques are the places Muslims worship. Many mosques hold public Iftars on a nightly basis or on the weekends throughout the whole month of Ramadan.

Muslims normally pray five times a day, a practice called Salah. They have a dawn prayer called Fajr, a midday prayer called Dhuhr, an afternoon prayer called Asr, a sunset prayer called Maghrib, and a night prayer called Isha. During Ramadan, there is an extra prayer at night called Taraweeh.

The Quran is the holy scripture of the Muslim faith. During Ramadan, one-third of the Quran is read each night at mosques. Many Muslims also attempt to read the Quran from beginning to end during this time. Beyond the normal five daily prayers, a night prayer (usually offered after 3 am) called Tahajud is often said more frequently during Ramadan.

Fasting during Ramadan helps Muslims feel closer to God and reminds them of the importance of helping others. It is also a time for extra prayers, reading the Quran, and doing good deeds. They take part in blood drives, food drives, toy drives, etc. Muslims try to be more patient, kind, and charitable during this month. It is said that all good deeds during this month are multiplied by at least 70 during this month from the prophet teachings.

“This month is a time of self reflection and improvement and connection to God. So even those who are usually not religious will take this month to try to be more. Every good deed we do in this month is multiplied, so everyone tries their best especially in this month.” – T. Asma

When is Ramadan?

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar. Each month starts with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Consequently, Muslims don’t always know exactly when Ramadan will begin. Instead, they have a range of dates, but the official first day of Ramadan is declared when the new crescent moon is sighted.

Historically, people would look for the new crescent moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan. With advancements in technology, the lunar cycle can now be calculated in advance. The majority of Muslim countries use the scientifically calculated lunar calendar to celebrate the beginning of Ramadan.

Some communities adhere to traditional practices and wait for the actual sighting of the new crescent moon. If the new crescent moon is too low in the sky to be seen when it’s dark, that day cannot be declared as the beginning of Ramadan. In these cases, they rely on the consensus of neighboring places. If most neighboring places have seen the new moon, they go with that observation and announce the start of Ramadan.

In 2025, it will be anywhere between February 28th and March 2nd.

What is Laylatul Quadar?

Laylatul Qadr means the Night of Power. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. This night falls within the last ten days of Ramadan, but the exact date is not known. Muslims are advised to increase their prayers and other forms of worship in the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

On Laylatul Qadr, Muslims engage in intense worship, prayer, and reflection, seeking forgiveness and blessings from Allah. It is also believed that the angels descend to earth, bringing peace and divine guidance until dawn.

Observing Laylatul Qadr involves staying up all night in prayer, reading the Quran, and performing good deeds.

Some Muslims also practice i’tikaf, which is seclusion in the mosque for worship and devotion during the last ten days of Ramadan. This practice allows individuals to disconnect from their daily routines and focus entirely on their spiritual growth and connection with Allah. It’s a time for self-reflection, seeking forgiveness, and making personal commitments to improve one’s faith and character.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal, which is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. This celebration begins when the new crescent moon is sighted, marking the start of a new lunar month.

On the final day of Ramadan, Muslims dress in their best clothes, give charity called zakat al fitr, and perform special prayer called Salat al Eid (the Eid prayer). They make delicious food and spend time with their families. Often, this event is held at stadiums or convention centers because a mosque cannot accommodate everyone in one building. If these prayers are held in mosques, they usually have 3-4 prayer slots so everyone can join.

Before the Eid prayers, there is a community chant called the Takbirat. This chant is a way to praise Almighty God for enabling Muslims to complete their fasting during Ramadan and to celebrate Eid.

Many Muslims gather as a community to chant the Takbirat and say an extra prayer around 9:00 a.m. on Eid. They then have breakfast and see family and friends. During these gatherings, it is common to give gifts, treats, and/or money to each other.

“Celebrations depend on every family. Getting together with family, having food all day, visiting friend’s houses, open houses with more food. Food is also dependent on the culture you are from. Traditional food is what is mostly served on Eid.” – S. Umer

The ending of Ramadan, Eid, depends on the culture you are from. Islam can be practiced differently depending on where you are from. In Indonesia, there may be large street concerts, while in Saudi Arabia, the celebrations are much more reserved. One Eid celebration that is universal is the animal sacrifices, with the meat given to the poor. The Eid party can be thrown anytime for up to three days after the Eid prayer.

Eid al-Fitr is a time to thank God for the strength and help received during Ramadan and to celebrate with loved ones.

What do they wear?

Pakistan men and women often wear traditional Shalwar Kameez, which are outfits embellished with intricate designs or embroidery. Indonesia women typically wear Kebaya, a traditional dress, along with a hijab (Kerudung). Palestine women wear a traditional dress called Thube, which features intricate red thread embroidery and small mirrors. Turkey people celebrate with colorful festivals and food, and children’s pockets are filled with sweets. A respected tradition is honoring elders by kissing their right hand and placing it on the forehead while giving Bayram greetings. United Arab Emirates (UAE) men wear traditional headgear (keffiyeh) and a cloak (thobe), while women often decorate their hands with henna. Malaysia women wear bright-colored headscarves (hijab) and long gowns. Chinese women celebrate in traditional Muslim attire, including a headscarf (hijab) and a cloak. Kenya adults and kids wear traditional headsets and cloaks (Thobe), with the color of the headset usually matching the clothes. Philippines women wear colorful headscarves and long robes. Girls from South Asia traditionally wear fancy bangles, fancy clothes.

Henna application is the most favorite tradition across the board for Eid.

What do they eat?

Special foods served during Ramadan also depend on the culture you are from, and each family differs slightly. A uniform tradition observed by Muslims worldwide is to break the fast with dates and water. This practice follows the example set by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who used to break his fast in this manner.

Arab countries have baklava or kunafa (sweet pastry with honey and vermicelli) or qatayef. South Asia has fritters, chickpea salad, yogurt dumplings, jollibee or ladoo. Iran has goosh-e fil. Eritrean Muslims have sambuusa. In America, you may see all of these in the same city. Some American converts might use American dishes like pineapple upside-down cake.

What are Ramadan Lanterns about?

Ramadan lanterns are called Fanoos. They are a beautiful and symbolic part of Ramadan celebrations. These lanterns have a rich history and cultural significance, especially in the Middle East. The tradition of using lanterns during Ramadan dates back to the Fatimid era in Egypt, around the 10th century. They were initially used to light up the streets during Ramadan nights, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

The lanterns symbolize light, hope, and spirituality, guiding believers on their spiritual journeys and serving as reminders of faith and reflection. They are often seen hanging in homes, mosques, and public spaces, adding to the overall celebratory ambiance of Ramadan.

Different regions have their own unique styles and traditions when it comes to Ramadan lanterns. In the Middle East, you might find elaborate metal designs, while in South Asia, colorful paper lanterns are more common. In Southeast Asia, large street displays of lanterns are a popular sight.

Creating and decorating lanterns can also be a fun and meaningful activity for families, fostering creativity and bonding during the holy month. The lanterns are not central to the actual holiday, but add a sense of celebration and make it more festive.

What other symbols or terms are important to Ramadan?

Crescent Moon and Star: Symbolize the Islamic calendar and the beginning of Ramadan, reflecting the greatness of the creator.
Fidyah: A charitable compensation given by Muslims who cannot fast during Ramadan due to valid reasons, providing meals to a needy person for each missed fast.
Imsak: The time shortly before dawn when Muslims stop eating and drinking in preparation for the fast during Ramadan.
Kaaba: The sacred cube-shaped structure located in the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, which Muslims face during prayers and is considered the holiest site in Islam.
Kaffarah: A form of repentance and redemption that requires feeding 60 needy people or fasting for 60 consecutive days as a penalty for deliberately breaking a fast during Ramadan without a valid reason.
Mosques: Central places of worship and community gatherings during Ramadan.
Niyyah:The sincere intention made in the heart to perform an act of worship solely for the sake of Allah.
Prayer Rug: Used for Salah (prayer), symbolizing cleanliness and a dedicated space for worship.
Quran: The holy book of Islam, recited and reflected upon during Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak: Translates to “Blessed Ramadan.” It is a way of wishing someone a blessed and joyful Ramadan.
Ramadan Kareem: Translates to “Generous Ramadan.” It is often used to express wishes for a generous and fruitful Ramadan.
Sadaqah: A voluntary act of charity given by Muslims to help those in need, reflecting generosity and compassion.
Tasbih: A string of prayer beads used for Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), helping Muslims focus on their spirituality and seek forgiveness.
Zakat: An obligatory charity given by Muslims to those in need, emphasizing compassion, social justice, and gratitude.
Zamzam Water: Symbolizes faith and gratitude, reminding Muslims of the miraculous spring provided by Allah to Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail in the desert.

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Resources:

Adam, F. “Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Interview.” Received by Tia Kennard, 28 Feb. 2025.

Asma, T. “Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Interview.” Received by Tia Kennard, 01 March 2025.

Umer, S. “Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Interview.” Received by Tia Kennard, 01 March 2025.

Attar, Eslah. “Why Ramadan Is the Most Sacred Month in Islamic Culture.” National Geographic, 22 Apr. 2020, http://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/ramadan. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

“BBC – Religions – Islam: Ramadan.” Bbc.co.uk, 2011, http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/ramadan_1.shtml. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Lawrence, Jodie. “What Do Lanterns Symbolize in Ramadan: Exploring Their Cultural and Spiritual Significance [Solved!].” Brain Wise Mind, 29 Jan. 2025, brainwisemind.com/what-do-lanterns-symbolize-in-ramadan/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Nemanja. “20 Important Symbols of Ramadan.” Symbol Sage, 23 May 2023, symbolsage.com/symbols-of-ramadan-meanings/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

“The Story behind Lanterns: Ubiquitous Symbol of the Month of Ramadan.” About Her, 3 Apr. 2023, http://www.abouther.com/node/57971/people/features/story-behind-lanterns-ubiquitous-symbol-month-ramadan. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.