Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar and the holiest month for Muslims. Fasting from the first hint of dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) is obligatory upon every adult, sane, healthy Muslim, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

The obligation is established directly in the Qur’an: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:183). And: “The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the spiritual nature of the fast: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need that he should give up his food and drink.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). The act of fasting reinforces taqwa (God-consciousness), patience, gratitude, and empathy for those who go without.

Ramadan also brings the night prayer of Tarawih, the I’tikaf retreat in the last ten nights, intensified Qur’an recitation, and the search for Laylat al-Qadr – the Night of Power – described in Surah 97 as “better than a thousand months.” (Surah al-Qadr 97:3). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever stands [in prayer] on the night of al-Qadr out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

The month ends with Eid al-Fitr on the first of Shawwal – a day of celebration on which fasting is prohibited. Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim of means must pay Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of themselves and their dependents, so that the poor may also share in the joy of the day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) “enjoined Zakat al-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities, and as food for the poor.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1827).