Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. It is a month of fasting, prayer, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Sehri) until sunset (Iftar), seeking closeness to Allah through worship and good deeds.
This Ramadan complete guide explains what Ramadan is, why Muslims fast, rules of fasting, Ramadan calendar and timings, important duas, Laylatul Qadr, and the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, making it a comprehensive resource for both beginners and practicing Muslims.
What Is Ramadan? Meaning and Importance
Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as guidance for mankind. Allah says in the Quran:
‘The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion.’ (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ‘ramida’, meaning intense heat, symbolizing the burning away of sins through worship and repentance.
Why Ramadan Is Important
- It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam
- Fasting is obligatory for all eligible Muslims
- Rewards for good deeds are multiplied
- It strengthens faith, patience, and self-control
Rules of Fasting in Ramadan
Fasting (Sawm) during Ramadan is obligatory for every adult Muslim who meets the required conditions.
Who Must Fast
- Adult Muslims
- Mentally and physically capable individuals
Who Is Exempt
- The sick
- Travelers
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Elderly people unable to fast
Missed fasts must be made up later, or fidya may be given where applicable.
What Breaks the Fast
- Eating or drinking intentionally
- Smoking
- Intentional vomiting
- Marital relations during fasting hours
Fasting begins at Fajr (dawn) and ends at Maghrib (sunset).
Ramadan Calendar, Sehri, and Iftar Timings
The Ramadan calendar is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, so dates change every year.
Sehri Time
Sehri is the pre-dawn meal taken before Fajr prayer. It is highly recommended and contains great blessings.
Iftar Time
Iftar is the meal taken at sunset to break the fast, traditionally with dates and water, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
‘The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast.’ (Bukhari & Muslim)
Sehri and Iftar timings vary by location and country, so Muslims should follow their local Ramadan calendar.
Ramadan 2025 and Upcoming Years
Confirmed and Expected Ramadan Dates
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the sighting of the moon. As a result, the start of Ramadan shifts approximately 10–11 days earlier each Gregorian year, and exact dates may vary by country.
2025 Ramadan (Completed)
- Ramadan 2025 began on the evening of Friday, 28 February 2025
- First fast was observed on Saturday, 1 March 2025
- Eid al-Fitr was celebrated in late March 2025, depending on local moon sighting
Ramadan 2025 has now concluded, and Muslims around the world observed fasting, prayer, and Quran recitation during this blessed month.
Ramadan 2026 (Upcoming)
- Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026
- First fast is expected on Wednesday, 18 February 2026
- Eid al-Fitr is expected around Friday, 20 March 2026
These dates are provisional and may vary based on local moon sighting and official announcements in different countries.
Important Note on Moon Sighting
Islamic months officially begin only after the verified sighting of the new moon. Therefore:
- Dates may differ by region
- Muslims should always follow announcements from their local Islamic authorities
Always rely on official moon sighting confirmations for the final start and end of Ramadan.
Duas to Recite in Ramadan
Ramadan is the best time to make dua, as supplications are readily accepted.
Duas and intention for Fasting
You can make your intention silently in your heart or use the following commonly recited phrases:
- Dua (Most Common):
- Arabic: وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
- Transliteration: Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaytu min shahri Ramadan.
- Translation: ‘I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.’
- Dua (General):
- Arabic: اَللّهُمَّ اَصُوْمُ غَداً لَّكَ ـ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِىْ و تَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّىْ
- Transliteration: Allahumma asumu ghadan laka fa-yassirhu li wa taqabbalhu minni.
- Translation: ‘O Allah, I am fasting tomorrow for You, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.’
Key Points to Remember
- The Heart is Key: The intention (niyyah) is an act of the heart. Simply knowing and resolving to fast the next day is sufficient.
- Timing: The intention should be made before the dawn (Fajr) prayer begins.
Dua for Iftar
Arabic:
اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Translation:
O Allah, I fasted for You, I believe in You, I put my trust in You, and with Your provision I break my fast.
Translitration:
Allahumma inni laka sumtu, wa bika aamantu, wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu, wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu.
Tips for Iftar
- Timing: It is Sunnah to hasten the breaking of the fast as soon as the sun sets.
- What to eat first: The Prophet (PBUH) typically broke his fast with fresh dates, dry dates, or water if dates were unavailable.
- Dua for the Host: If someone invite you for Iftar, you can pray for the host: ‘Afṭara `indakumuṣ-ṣā’imūn…’ (‘May the fasting people break their fast with you…’)
General Duas in Ramadan
- Dua for forgiveness
- Dua for guidance
- Dua for protection from Hellfire
Laylatul Qadr – The Night of Power
Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night in Ramazan, better than a thousand months.
‘The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.’ (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)
It occurs during the last ten nights, most commonly on the odd nights.
Best Dua for Laylatul Qadr
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Translation:
‘O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.’
Benefits of Ramadan
Spiritual Benefits
- Strengthens faith (Iman)
- Increases mindfulness of Allah (Taqwa)
- Encourages repentance and forgiveness
Physical Benefits
- Improves self-discipline
- Regulates eating habits
- Promotes detoxification
Social Benefits
- Builds empathy for the poor
- Strengthens family and community bonds
- Encourages charity (Zakat and Sadaqah)
Learn the Quran and Ramadan the Right Way
Ramadhan is not only about fasting – it is the month of the Quran. Understanding the Quran, learning correct recitation, and strengthening Islamic knowledge are essential parts of making the most of this blessed month.
JH Quran Academy offers professional and structured online Quran education, including:
- Quran reading with Tajweed
- Quran memorization (Hifz)
- Islamic studies for children and adults
- Flexible online classes with qualified teachers
If you or your children want to learn the Quran properly and strengthen your connection with Islam, JH Quran Academy provides a trusted and supportive learning environment for students worldwide.
Final Note
May Allah allow us to reach Ramazan, accept our fasting and prayers, and grant us the ability to understand and live by the Quran. Ameen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
No, eating or drinking during fasting hours breaks the fast.
The sick, travelers, elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women may be exempt.
Fasting starts at Fajr and ends at Maghrib.