Ramadahan
— also spelled Ramadan or Ramzan — is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar
calendar, and it is the most sacred and spiritually charged month for
Muslims around the world. During this month, millions of believers fast from dawn
(Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) each day, engaging in extra prayers, Qur’anic
recitation, reflection, charity, and self-improvement.
The
name Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramad, meaning intense
heat or dryness, symbolizing the spiritual burning away of sins,
desires and evil habits through self-discipline and remembrance of Allah (SWT).
In
essence, Ramadan is a month of worship, purification, self-control, empathy
for the less fortunate, and drawing near to Allah (SWT).
Ramzan in the Light of Qur’an and Hadith
When
we talk about Ramzan in light of the Qur’an and Hadith, the depth and weight of
this month become clear.
In the Qur’an
Allah
(SWT) Himself mentions Ramadan and the obligation of fasting:
“O
you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those
before you, that you may become righteous.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183
And
Allah further states:
“The
month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and
clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185
This
verse highlights 3 key facts:
1.
Fasting
is an obligation (fard) for every adult Muslim.
2.
Ramadan
is the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed.
3. It is a time designed for Muslims to become righteous (taqwa).
In the Hadith
The
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
emphasized the virtue and blessings of this month:
“Whoever
fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah
will have his past sins forgiven.”
— Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim
Another
hadith highlights the special night of Ramadan:
“Whoever
stands (in prayer) in Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and seeking reward, his
previous sins will be forgiven.”
— Sahih Bukhari
Thus,
from both Qur’an and Sunnah, we learn:
- Ramadan is a time of fasting as
worship.
- It is a moment for remembrance,
Qur’an recitation, and forgiveness.
- The Night of Power (Laylat
al-Qadr) within Ramadan carries enormous reward, greater than a
thousand months.
ارشاد نبوی صلی اللہ تعالی علیہ والہ وسلم
Important Masail (Islamic Rulings) of Ramzan
Understanding
basic masail ensures one observes Ramadan correctly and gains its full
blessings.
Who Must Fast?
Fasting
is obligatory (fard) for:
- Every adult Muslim who is
sane and physically healthy.
- Those who are able to fast without
harm.
Who Is Exempt?
Fasting
is not obligatory for:
- Children before puberty.
- Elderly who cannot fast due to health.
- Sick persons whose health would worsen.
- Travelers — can make up later.
- Pregnant or nursing women if fasting harms mother or child.
- Women on menses or postpartum
bleeding — must make up
later.
When Is Fasting Valid?
To
fast correctly:
- One must intentionally (niyyah)
decide each day before Fajr to fast.
- Fasting begins at the true Fajr
time (break of dawn).
- It continues until Maghrib
(sunset) when the fast is broken.
What Breaks the Fast?
The
fast becomes invalid if:
- One eats or drinks
intentionally.
- One deliberately vomits.
- One has sexual relations
during the fasting hours.
- Deliberate smoking or taking
nourishment breaks the fast.
What Does Not Break the Fast?
- Injections (non-nutritional) that don’t act
as food.
- Unconscious swallowing of saliva.
- Using a miswak (tooth stick) carefully.
Suhoor & Iftar
- Suhoor: A blessed predawn meal
recommended before Fajr.
- Iftar: Breaking of the fast immediately
at Maghrib with dates and water, followed by dua and prayer.
Prayers of Ramzan
Besides
the five daily prayers, Muslims are encouraged to:
- Recite Qur’an frequently.
- Perform extra prayers (Nawafil).
- Observe Taraweeh prayers
after ‘Isha — a Ramadan specialty.
When is Ramadan 2026?
The
Islamic calendar is lunar, based on the sighting of the new crescent
moon (Hilal). Because the lunar year is about 10–12 days shorter than
the solar year, Ramadan shifts earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
For
2026, Ramadan is expected to begin around:
Tuesday,
February 17, 2026
and conclude around
Thursday, March 19, 2026
(with actual dates depending on local moon sighting)
These
dates may vary slightly by one day in different regions because Ramadan begins
when the new moon is sighted locally after sunset on the 29th day of
Sha’ban.
Ramadan Basics That You Should Know About
1. What Is Fasting (Sawm)?
Fasting
(sawm) in Ramadan means:
- Abstaining from food and drink from Fajr to Maghrib.
- Avoiding harmful habits —
backbiting, anger, lying, gossip.
- Focusing on good deeds and
remembrance of Allah.
️ 2. What Times Matter During Fasting?
|
Action |
Allowed
/ Not Allowed |
|
Eating after Fajr |
🚫
Not Allowed |
|
Drinking after Fajr |
🚫
Not Allowed |
|
Taking medicine
during daytime |
🚫
Not Allowed |
|
Eating before Fajr
or after Maghrib |
✅
Allowed |
3. What Are Taraweeh Prayers?
- Special night prayers performed
after ‘Isha.
- Can be offered individually or in
congregation.
- Often includes recitation from the
Qur’an.
4. Importance of Qur’an in Ramadan
- Muslims aim to complete the entire
Qur’an during Ramadan.
- Many listen to Qur’an daily and
study its meanings (tafsir).
❤ 5. Acts of Kindness
& Charity
Zakat
(obligatory charity) is often given in Ramadan,
and many Muslims also give Sadaqah (voluntary),
because rewards are multiplied in this blessed month.
6. Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power)
- It falls in the last
10 nights, especially odd nights: 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th.
- Worship on this
night yields reward “better than a thousand months.”
- Muslims seek it
with extra prayers and Qur’an recitation.
What Do You Say at the Start of Ramadan?
When
Ramadan begins, Muslims greet each other with blessings and good wishes. Common
phrases include:
“Ramadan
Mubarak!”
(A blessed Ramadan)
“Ramadan
Kareem!”
(Generous Ramadan)
“May
Allah accept your fasts and prayers.”
These
greetings reflect joy, brotherhood, and spirituality — encouraging one
another to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness and guidance.
What is the Story Behind Ramadan?
Ramadan
carries deep historical and spiritual roots in Islam.
1. It’s the Month the Qur’an Was Revealed
According
to the Qur’an and Islamic tradition:
- Allah revealed the first verses of
the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during Ramadan.
- This occurred on Laylat al-Qadr
— the Night of Power — which is described as better than a thousand
months.
(Surah Al-Qadr 97)
2. Fasting Was Made Obligatory in Ramadan
The
command to fast was revealed in the second chapter of the Qur’an (Surah
Al-Baqarah).
This marked a moment of spiritual training for the early Muslim community in
Medina.
3. Spiritual Purpose of Fasting
Fasting
was not introduced only to avoid food — but to:
- Develop self-discipline
- Attain taqwa
(God-consciousness)
- Increase compassion for the
poor and hungry
- Seek pardon and purification
In
the Prophet’s time ( ﷺ
), the companions came to love Ramadan so much that they wished they could fast
it all year long because of the blessings it brought into their lives.
Why Does Ramadan Start on Different Days Every Year?
Unlike
the solar calendar (like the Gregorian calendar), the Islamic calendar is lunar
— based on the phases of the moon.
Here’s
why Ramadan shifts each year:
1. Length of the Lunar Year
- The lunar year has about 354
days.
- The solar year has 365 days.
So the lunar year is 10–12 days shorter.
As
a result:
Ramadan moves earlier by ~10 days each year in the Gregorian calendar.
2. Moon Sighting
Ramadan
begins when the new crescent (Hilal) is sighted at the end of Sha’ban.
Different
countries and communities may start on slightly different days because:
- Some rely on local
moon sighting.
- Others follow global
sighting reports.
- Some use astronomical
calculations.
So
the exact starting date varies by geographical location and sighting
criteria.
How Much Reward Do You Get in Ramadan?
This
is one of the most asked and inspiring aspects of Ramadan — the reward
(thawab).
1. Forgiveness of Past Sins
The
Prophet (ﷺ)
said:
“Whoever fasts
Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking reward from Allah will have his past
sins forgiven.”
(Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
This
means a sincere Ramadan can wipe away previous mistakes and open the door to
spiritual renewal.
2. Night of Power — Unmatched Reward
Worship
on Laylat al-Qadr is:
Better
than worshipping for 1,000 months.
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)
That’s
the equivalent of over 83 years of blessings in one night!
3. Reward for Every Good Deed
In
Ramadan:
- Each prayer is rewarded more.
- Each act of kindness is
multiplied.
- Each Qur’an verse recited earns
extra reward.
- Charity given is accepted with
amplified blessings.
4. Fasting Is a Shield
Fasting
isn’t just food-restriction:
- It protects one
from bad behavior.
- It teaches
patience and humility.
- It increases
empathy for the hungry and poor.
Allah
loves a servant who gives up desires for His sake.
The Spiritual Purpose of Ramadan
Ramadan
is not merely abstaining from food and water:
1. It’s an Inner Journey
You
practice:
- Patience
- Gratitude
- Self-restraint
- Thoughtfulness
2. It Increases Compassion
Fasting
makes you feel hunger and thirst — reminding you of those who suffer daily
without food.
3. It Reorders Life Priorities
You
think:
- Less about the dunya (world)
- More about akhirah (Hereafter)
4. It Revives the Heart
Ramadan
brings:
- Refreshed faith
- Increased
devotion
- Renewed hope in
Allah’s Mercy
Practical Tips to Maximize Ramadan
Here
are realistic, human-centered tips so your Ramadan becomes deeply impactful:
Plan Your Day
- Wake early for Suhoor on time.
- Include Qur’anic recitation time.
- Have a modest but nutritious
Suhoor & Iftar.
Read Qur’an Daily
Even
a few verses every day builds connection and reward.
Increase Du’a
Ask
Allah for:
- Forgiveness
- Guidance
- Mercy
- Blessings in
this life and the next
Strengthen Family Bonds
Break
fast together, pray together, make du’a together.
Help Others
Support
the needy, give charity, visit the sick.
Avoid Negativity
Stay
away from arguments, gossip, backbiting — the fast is broken by sinful speech.
Common Questions People Ask About Ramadan
Can I chew gum while fasting?
No
— chewing gum is considered eating/ drinking and breaks the fast.
Can I brush my teeth?
Yes
— but avoid swallowing water or toothpaste.
Can I smoke?
No
— smoking breaks the fast.
What if I accidentally eat?
Accidental
eating doesn’t break the fast; continue fasting.
Can children fast?
Children
are encouraged to fast gradually but not obliged until puberty.
Conclusion — The Heart of Ramzan
Ramzan/Ramadan is an annual
spiritual reset — a chance to:
✨ Clear the heart of sin
✨ Increase devotion to Allah
✨ Strengthen empathy for others
✨ Earn multiplied rewards
✨ Experience peace and spiritual growth
It
is a month of mercy that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary
— not through hardship, but through meaningful sacrifice, pure faith, and
sincere devotion.
May Allah (SWT) make this Ramadan for
you:
🌙 A source of forgiveness,
🌙 A means of spiritual elevation,
🌙 A time of inner peace,
🌙 And a gateway to eternal success.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Ramadan Kareem!
May Allah accept your fasts, prayers, and good deeds.
