What is Ramadan? It’s History and Significance for 2 Billion People

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar during which the Holy Quran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

During this time, Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, a command given to Muslims in the Quran itself, instructing believers to observe fasting as an act of devotion and self-discipline. 

In this article, we explore the history of Ramadan and dive into its significance for 2 billion Muslims worldwide.

The History of Ramadan

Fasting as a practice was found in ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians had fasting rituals to purify the body and soul. In the Arabian Peninsula, pre-Islamic tribes also had various forms of fasting, though their significance and rules were different from those practiced by Muslims today.

The history of Ramadan as we know it in Islam begins in 610 CE. This was the year when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelations of the Quran from Allah through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). This occurred during Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, which is observed during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Laylat al-Qadr is one of the most significant events in Islamic history. It is believed that this night is when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to humanity as guidance for all time. 

The Quran emphasizes the importance of this night, stating that it is “better than a thousand months” (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3). Muslims believe that worship during this night carries greater rewards than worship done over an entire lifetime.

The Command of Fasting During Ramadan

Fasting during Ramadan was not immediately made obligatory for Muslims. The command to fast was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) around 624 CE, in the second year after his migration from Makkah to Madinah, known as the Hijra. 

This event marked the start of the Islamic calendar and the establishment of the first Muslim community, which provided the foundation for Islamic laws and rituals, including fasting.

The obligation to fast during Ramadan is stated in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

This verse not only establishes fasting as a pillar of faith but also links it to earlier traditions of fasting in other Abrahamic religions, creating a sense of continuity and shared devotion.

Fasting Exceptions for the Muslim Community

The Quran outlines exceptions to fasting, acknowledging that some people may be unable to fast due to health, age, pregnancy, or travel. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185, it says:

“But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number of days [are to be made up] later. For those who can only fast with difficulty, there is a ransom: the feeding of one that is indigent.”

This flexibility reflects Islam’s emphasis on mercy and compassion, ensuring that fasting remains an accessible practice for all believers.

Read More: Muslim Dietary Laws & Fasting Practices You Need to Know

How Do Muslims Observe Ramadan?

The most prominent practice of Ramadan is fasting from dawn until sunset. This includes abstaining from food, drinks (even water), smoking, and marital relations. Here’s a breakdown of the typical daily routine:

• Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal consumed before fasting begins at Fajr, the first prayer of the day.
• Iftar: The meal at sunset, which starts with eating dates and drinking water, followed by a full meal. The fast is typically broken after the Maghrib prayer.

In addition to fasting, Muslims increase their spiritual activities by:

• Reading the Quran: Many Muslims aim to read the entire Quran during Ramadan.
• Attending Taraweeh prayers: Special evening prayers that are longer than the regular prayers.
• Charity: Giving Zakat (alms) to those in need, which is also one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Check out: Tips for a spiritual and healthy Ramadan! 

Ramadan and Fasting in the Modern World

Today, Ramadan is a unifying experience for the global Muslim community, or Ummah. Muslims in all parts of the world, from Indonesia to Morocco, from the United States to South Africa, observe this holy month with fasting, prayer, and charity.

In recent years, intermittent fasting, a diet that alternates between periods of eating and fasting, has gained significant traction in the Western world for its potential health benefits. 

This modern take on fasting aligns with the wisdom practiced in Islam over 1,400 years ago. Here are some of the benefits of fasting according to science today: 

• A well-known benefit of intermittent fasting is its effectiveness for weight loss. Fasting reduces the total number of hours in which people eat, often leading to a caloric deficit. 
• A critical health benefit of fasting is its impact on insulin sensitivity. When you eat frequently, your body continuously produces insulin to manage blood sugar levels. However, during fasting, insulin levels drop, and the body becomes more efficient at using insulin. 
• Intermittent fasting has also shown promising results in improving blood sugar control and reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 
• Fasting also initiates a process called autophagy, which is the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating new, healthy ones, a process which can reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

End of Ramadan: Eid Ul Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for gratitude, community, and festivity. After a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslims come together to celebrate their spiritual growth, self-discipline, and closeness to Allah. 

Here are some key elements of this festive occasion:

• Eid al-Fitr begins with a special prayer called Salat al-Eid, performed in large congregations, usually in mosques or open areas.
• A fundamental part of Eid al-Fitr is giving Zakat al-Fitr, a special form of charity. This is an obligatory charity given to those in need before the Eid prayer. 
• Eid al-Fitr is a time for gathering with loved ones. Gift-giving is a central tradition and children are especially excited to receive Eidi, which is usually in the form of money.

Common Questions About Ramadan

Here are some of the common questions about Ramadan answered: 

1. When is Ramadan?

Its start date varies each year because the Islamic calendar is based on the moon’s cycle, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon, so the exact date may vary depending on your location. 

2. Who is required to fast in Ramadan? 

Fasting is mandatory for all adult Muslims, but there are exceptions. Children, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, travelers, and those who are ill are not required to fast.

3. What happens if someone can’t fast? 

Those who are unable to fast due to illness or other valid reasons can make up the fast at a later date or provide a meal to a needy person for each missed day.

4. What are the rules of fasting during Ramadan?

Fasting follows specific rules:

• Abstain from food and drink: Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking (even water), smoking, and engaging in marital relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
• Suhoor and Iftar: The fast begins at dawn after the Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal, and ends at sunset with Iftar, the meal to break the fast.
• Intentions (Niyyah): Muslims must make a sincere intention to fast each day for the sake of Allah.

5. How long do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

The duration of fasting during Ramadan varies depending on geographic location. Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), which typically lasts between 11 to 20 hours, depending on the time of year and where they are in the world. 

In countries closer to the equator, fasting hours are relatively consistent, but in higher latitudes, fasting hours can become quite long during summer months.

6. What is the purpose of Ramadan fasting?

The purpose of fasting during Ramadan is both spiritual and practical:

• Spiritual Growth: Fasting is a way to grow closer to Allah by practicing self-discipline, patience, and mindfulness. It allows Muslims to focus on prayer, reading the Quran, and introspection.
• Purification: Fasting helps purify the soul and teaches empathy for those who are less fortunate, reinforcing the importance of charity and gratitude.
• Self-Control: By abstaining from physical needs like food and drink, Muslims strengthen their self-control and spiritual focus, detaching from worldly desires to focus on their faith.

7. Can you travel while fasting during Ramadan?

Yes, Muslims are permitted to travel during Ramadan, but they are exempt from fasting on travel days if fasting would cause hardship. This is based on the understanding that traveling can be physically taxing, and Islam allows for flexibility in such situations. Travelers who skip fasting should make up the missed days at a later time when they are no longer traveling.

8. How does fasting work in different time zones?

Fasting follows the local time in the location where a Muslim resides or travels. This means that fasting hours are based on the local dawn and sunset times.

9. What is Eid al-Fitr? 

Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a major Islamic holiday. It’s a day of celebration, feasting, and giving thanks to God for the strength to complete the fast. Muslims also give a special form of charity called Zakat al-Fitr to ensure that everyone, even the less fortunate, can celebrate the occasion.

Wrapping Up

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making Ramadan an essential time of devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world. 

It’s a month that strengthens the connection between Muslims and their faith, encouraging acts of kindness, empathy, and charity. For more insights, visit the Halal Consumer Blog, and be sure to follow AHF on LinkedIn for daily updates and valuable content.