Exploring Ramadan Traditions And Customs
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Every year, Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is the holiest month in Islam. During this month, archangel Jibril revealed the first five verses of the Quran — Islam’s holy text — to Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. This year, it is expected to start at sundown on or around February 17, 2026.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of Islam's five pillars, or core duties. Healthy adult Muslims and children over 14 do not eat or drink anything from dawn to dusk. This temporary denial of food and water helps increase awareness and gratitude for all that Allāh (God) has provided. It also encourages compassion for people in need.
A typical Ramadan day
During Ramadan, observers wake up before sunrise to eat their first meal, called Suhoor. It usually includes protein-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables to help people stay full during the day. After eating, they perform morning prayers before continuing with daily activities.
Most Muslims break their fast at sunset with one to three dates. This follows what Prophet Muhammed did and also provides an instant burst of energy. After a short prayer, they have the day's second and final meal, called Iftar. The meal includes a variety of traditional foods. Many mosques also host free Iftar gatherings where community members can eat together.
Later in the evening, observers attend a special night prayer called Taraweeh. Derived from the Arabic word meaning "to rest and relax," it is a form of Islamic meditation. Taraweeh prayers are usually held at a mosque. They involve reading portions of the Quran and performing rak'ahs, cycles of movement in Islamic prayer. These prayers can last up to two hours.
Zakat
Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, is a required act of charitable giving. It is believed to purify a person's wealth. Those who meet the minimum wealth threshold, called nisab, must donate 2.5 percent of their wealth from the previous year. Zakat can be given any time during the year. However, many Muslims prefer to give it during Ramadan. Some also give staple foods, such as dates, flour, or rice to people in need.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. This year, it is expected to end on or around March 18, 2026. The month of fasting is followed by Eid al-Fitr, the "festival of breaking the fast." Celebrations can last up to three days. They begin with communal morning prayers at a mosque to thank Allah for giving strength during Ramadan. Around midday, people dressed in festive clothes visit family and friends or gather in public spaces to share a feast. For Muslim children, Eid is similar to Christmas, with many receiving money, sweets, or gifts from elders.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Resources: Wikipedia.org, theguardian.com, bbc.co.uk
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20 Comments
- budyjedityla7 daysI feel bad for those people but cool.
haltocamcam7 daysI also do lent, its where u cant eat foods from meat, and on Fridays u are alllowed rto eat fish, but only the fish, and the Ramadan is u cant eat until 5:00 or 6:00- nibatarotago8 dayshappy ramadan
i_love_taytay8 daysramadan Kareem everyone- jisodiduryno8 dayscelebrated Ramadan before reading this article. You all should try it I mean it is hard but very fun
- pypulypajisy8 daysActually not hard, but it is really good!! u should try it!!
irisdono8 daysCOOL
kabs1238 dayshappy ramadan
g-dude9 daysI don’t observe Ramadan, but I do Lent, which is kinda similar.
adury9 daysLike it
bookwermthebard9 daysVery cool!
