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What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month,

Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month,

Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.

A. During the blessed month of Ramadan,

Muslims all over the world abstain from food,

drink, and other physical needs during the daylight

hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus

attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice,

Ramadan is much more than just not eating and

drinking.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-

evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance.

We are to make peace with those who have

wronged us, strengthen ties with family and

friends,

Do away with bad habits -essentially to clean up

our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The

Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means

"to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from

food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts,

and words.

Every year, Muslims spend one entire

month in daytime fasting. Learn more

about the observance of Ramadan and

the holiday that follows its completion,

Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-

Breaking).

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During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained.

The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain

themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything

that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene

words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the

body observes the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the

person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-

restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on

the worship of God.

What are the Islamic requirements for fasting during Ramadan?

For the Muslim, the fast of Ramadan has specific regulations and rules (fiqh). Islamic

scholars have outlined the fasting requirements for the general population, and explain

the accommodations that can be made when someone is unable to fast because of

sickness or other health reasons.

While many of the general fasting requirements are the same for everyone, it is best to

consult one of the many detailed fiqh resources for specific rules and special

circumstances. These links give more detailed information on general guidelines and

special cases such as sickness, pregnancy, chronic health problems, and more.

Ramadan Rules & Regulations

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory on every Muslim adult. The Arabic word

sawm is used for fasting. The word sawm (plural siyam) literally means 'to refrain', but as

an Islamic term, it means refraining from food, drinks and sexual activity from dawn to

sunset. Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2-183):

'O you who believe, siyam is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you

so that you may become self-restrained.'

The importance of Siyam in Ramadan is clearly expressed in several sayings of the

Prophet (S.A.W.). It is reported by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said:

'He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his

past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeks his

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reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al- Qadr in

prayer with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.'

(Bukhari and Muslim)

Fasting in Ramadan is practiced by Muslims all over the world. The most significant

aspect of Siyam is the development of Allah-consciousness (Taqwa) in the heart and the

soul of a fasting Muslim. One must abstain from immoral behavior and attitude as well.

Refraining from food and such is essential during fast but it is not sufficient. The Prophet

of Allah is reported to have said:

'If one does not abandon falsehood in words and deeds, Allah has no need for his

abandoning of his food and drink.'(Al-Bukhari)

WHO IS EXEMPT FROM SAWM?

Fasting is mandatory on every Muslim who is sane, adult, able and resident. The

following exemptions apply:

The insane;

Children who are not adolescent yet;

The elderly and chronically ill for whom fasting is unreasonably strenuous; such

persons are required to feed at least one poor person every day in Ramadan for

which he or she has missed fasting.

Pregnant women and nursing may postpone the fasting at a later time;

The ill and the travelers can also defer their fasting.

Allah says in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah:

'But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up by

days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to

difficulties.'

Women during the period of menstruation or of post childbirth confinement.

Fasting during these periods is forbidden and should be made up later, a day for a

day.

DURATION OF SAWM:

Fasting starts everyday in Ramadan at the break of dawn, which is also the start of the

Salatul Fajr time. Fasting ends at sunset or with the call of Salatul Maghrib.

VALIDITY OF FASTING:

The validity of fasting depends on the following:

Abstaining from food, liquids and sexual activity from dawn to sunset.

The intention to fast must be made every day before dawn. The intention (niyyah) may be

made during night before going to sleep or it can also be made at the time of Suhoor

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Suhoor is eating before fasting. It should be as close to Fajr time as possible. Prophet

Muhammad (pbuh) says:

'Partake Suhoor, for there is blessing in Suhoor.'(Bukhari, Muslim)

It is desirable to break the fast as soon as possible after sunset. Breaking the fast with

dates or water is a tradition of the Prophet. Following is one of the Du'a for breaking fast:

Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala ridhqika aftartu (O Allah! For You did I fast and with

Your bounties did I break the fast.)

The things which invalidate fast are of two kinds. The first one requires Qada (only

making up missed days), the other one not only requires Qada but also Kaffarah(a

penalty).

The following are the things that require Qada only:

Eating or drinking intentionally. This includes non-nourishing items taken by mouth.

Deliberately causing oneself to throw up.

The beginning of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding even in the last moment before

sunset.

Ejaculation for reasons other than sexual intercourse.

Intending to break the fast before sunset even if one changes his mind, since intention is

one of the pre-requisites of the validity of fasting.

Eating, drinking or having intercourse after dawn on the mistaken assumption that it is

not dawn yet. Similarly, engaging in these acts before Maghrib on the mistaken

assumption that it is already sunset.

Things that not only require Qada but also Kaffarah are the following:

Sexual intercourse during fasting (dawn to dusk). The penalty is to fast an additional

period of 60 continuous days. If one is not able to do so then he must feed sixty poor

people-one average meal each.

Before the days of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), slavery was a common practice in

the Arab world. Islam eliminated slavery from the society in a very short period of time.

A useful approach was to allow people free a slave as a charity or as a penalty for a sin.

Thus during the time of the Prophet (S.A.W.), setting a slave free was the penalty one

must pay as a kaffarah, if he or she had a slave.

What does not break the fast?

If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast, for it is

only Allah who has fed him and given him drink. (A Hadith from Muslim).

Unintentional vomiting.

Swallowing things which are not possible to avoid, such as one's saliva, street dust,

smoke, etc.

Brushing the teeth.

Injection or intra-venous which is solely medical and not nutritional.

Breaking of fast under exceptional conditions:

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Muslims are permitted to break the ordained fast of Ramadan when there is danger to

their health. In this situation a Muslim should make up his fast later at any other time of

the year.

Reference: "Every Day Fiqh" by Maulana Yusuf Islahi, translated by Abdul Aziz Kamal.

COURTESY: Islamic Information & News Network Vol.4 No.43

Taraweeh Prayers in Ramadan

Special prayers are said each evening of the holy month

When the month of Ramadan begins, Muslims enter into a period of discipline and

worship: fasting during the day, and praying throughout the day and night. During

Ramadan, special evening prayers are conducted during which long portions of the

Qur'an are recited. These special prayers are known as taraweeh.

The word taraweeh comes from an Arabic word which means to rest and relax. The

prayer can be very long (well over an hour), during which one stands upright to read from

the Qur'an and performs many cycles of movement (standing, bowing, prostrating,

sitting). After each four cycles, one sits for a brief period of rest before continuing -- this

is where the name taraweeh ("rest prayer") comes from.

During the standing portions of the prayer, long sections of the Qur'an are read. The

Qur'an is divided into equal parts (called juz) for the purpose of reading sections of equal

length during each of the Ramadan nights. Thus, 1/30 of the Qur'an is read on successive

evenings, so that by the end of the month the entire Qur'an has been completed.

It is recommended that Muslims attend the taraweeh prayers in the mosque (after 'Isha,

the last evening prayer), to pray in congregation. This is true for both men and women.

However, one

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may also perform the prayers individually at home. These prayers are voluntary, but are

strongly recommended and widely practiced. For more details about the performance of

taraweeh prayers, please see the articles linked at the right.

Saudi Arabia television broadcasts the taraweeh prayers live from Mecca, Saudi Arabia,

now with simultaneous subtitling of the English translation. To watch, please visit the

following sites (tune in at 5:00 pm GMT for the live broadcast):

Helping Others during Ramadan

Ramadan is a special time of year -- a time when Muslims around the world take a step

back from their daily routines and focus on community, charity, fasting, and prayer. Ibn

Abbas described that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most

generous of people, and even more so during the month of Ramadan. Here are some

ideas of what you can do this month to help those around you.

Learn More about Islam

The first step is to learn more about the faith of Islam. Especially during these difficult

times, it is ever important to develop understanding and firm knowledge of what Islam is

and isn't. There are books and videos for all levels -- introductions for those just learning

about the faith, and in-depth studies for those who want to strengthen and deepen their

understanding.

Reach Out to Those around You

Is there a family in your neighborhood that you haven't seen in a while? A student in a

strange new city? A new Muslim who is fasting for the first time? An elderly couple

who can't get to the mosque? Why not take a few minutes to make a phone call, drop in

for a visit, or invite someone to iftar (dinner to break the daily fast). Even the smallest

gesture of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life.

Help Those in Need

All around the world, and even in your own backyard, there are people who are suffering

from illness, hunger, or desperation. "Those who spend their wealth by night and day, in

secret and in public, shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear,

nor shall they grieve" (Qur'an 2:274). "By no means shall you attain righteousness unless

you give freely from that which you love. And whatever you give, Allah knows it well"

(Qur'an 3:92).

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Volunteer Your Time

Even more valuable than money is a gift of your time. Is your local mosque hosting iftar

dinners? Why not help with the planning or clean-up? Is a local charity raising funds for

humanitarian aid? Is there a local Islamic school that needs guest teachers?

Pray for Others

"When My servants ask thee about Me, I am indeed close to them. I respond to the

prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me. Let them also, with a will, listen to My

call, and believe in Me, that they may walk in the right way" (Qur'an 2:186). Most

importantly, during this very special month, take the time to pray for others - your family,

you’re loved ones, those who are ill, those who live in fear, those who go hungry, those

who walk in darkness. May Allah guide all of us upon the straight path of faith, and help

us to be filled with piety, patience, humility, and kindness.

Leyla al-Qadr: The Night of Power

Al-Qadr (The Night of Power)

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

We have indeed revealed this message in the Night of Power.

And what will explain what the Night of Power is?

The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.

Therein come down the angels and the spirit, by Allah's permission, on every errand.

Peace! Until the rising of the morn!

Tradition holds that the Night of Power is the night that the first revelation of the Qur'an

was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims are instructed to "seek" the Night of

Power during the last ten days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights (ie. the 23rd,

25th and 27th). It is reported that the Prophet said: "Whoever stays up (in prayer and

remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully believing (in Allah's promise of

reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins." (Bukhari &

Muslim).

Muslims worldwide spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in solid devotion, retreating to

the mosque to read Qur'an (i'tikaf), reciting special supplications (du'a), and reflecting on

the meaning of

Allah's message to us. It is believed to be a time of intense spirituality, when the believers

are surrounded by angels, the gates of heaven are open, and God's blessings and mercy

are abundant.

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The whole month of Ramadan is a time of renewal and reflection. As the month winds to

a close, we pray that the spirit of Ramadan, and the lessons learned during it, last for all

of us throughout the year.

i'tikaf

Definition: A spiritual retreat in the mosque, usually performed during the last ten days of

Ramadan. A person "making i'tikaf" will spend the evening and night in the mosque,

devoting his or her time to worship and reading the Qur'an.

Pronunciation: i'tikaf (' stands for a gutteral stop, an Arabic sound that does not exist in

the English language) • (noun)

Example: During the last ten days of Ramadan, many people perform i'tikaf, spending a

whole night in worship in the mosque.

Du'a - - Personal Supplication in Islam

In addition to formal prayers, Muslims "call upon" God throughout the day

In the Qur'an, Allah says: "When My servants ask about Me, I am indeed close to them.

I listen to the prayer of every supplicant, when he calls on Me. Let them also, with a will,

listen to My call, and believe in Me, so that they may walk in the right way" (Qur'an

2:186).

The word du'a in Arabic means "calling" - the act of remembering Allah and calling upon

Him.

Aside from the daily prayers, Muslims are encouraged to call upon Allah for forgiveness,

guidance, and strength throughout the day. Muslims can make these personal

supplications or prayers (du'a) in their own words, in any language, but there are also

recommended examples from the Qur'an and Sunnah. Some samples are found in the

pages linked at right.

Children & Ramadan

Muslim children are not required to fast until they reach the age of maturity (puberty).

However, in many families, younger children enjoy participating and are encouraged to

practice their fasting.

It is common for a younger child to fast for part of a day, or for one day on the weekend,

especially in the shorter winter months. This way, they enjoy the "grown-up" feeling that

they are participating in the special events of the family and community.

It is also common for children to participate in Ramadan in other ways, aside from the

daily fast. They may collect coins or money to donate to the needy, help cook meals for

breaking the day's fast, or read Qur'an with the family in the evening.

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At the end of Ramadan, children are often indulged with gifts of sweets and money on

the day of Eid al-Fitr.

Q. How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious

activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual

renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world

observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).

A. Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the

Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family

and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a

determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice,

barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate

in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).

On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques

to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational

prayer.

After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give

gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes

for the holiday.

These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire

3-day period is an official government/school holiday.

Common Greetings for Islamic Holidays

Appropriate words to congratulate Muslims on their holidays

Muslims observe two major holidays: Eid al-Fitr (at the end of the annual fasting month

of Ramadan), and Eid al-Adha (at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca). During

these times, Muslims give thanks to Allah for His bounty and mercy, celebrate the holy

days, and wish each other well. While appropriate words in any language are welcome,

there are some traditional or common

Arabic greetings that one may use or come across:

"Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!"

("May every year find you in good health!")

"Eid Mubarak!"

("Blessed Eid!")

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"Eid Saeed!"

("Happy Eid!")

"Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum."

("May Allah accept from us, and from you."?)

Ramadan Glossary

Allah

Definition: Literally "The God." There is no plural, masculine or feminine forms of this

word in Arabic. This denotes the One True God, the Almighty Creator, Who is neither

male nor female.

Pronunciation: All-ah • (proper noun)

1 "Adhan"

Definition: (noun) the Islamic call to prayer

To hear what the adhan sounds like, please visit one of the audio links to the right.

Pronunciation: Athan where "th" is as in the English word "the"

Alternate Spellings: azan, athan

Examples: When the adhan was called, the Muslims went to the masjed for prayer.

2 A.H.

Definition: "Anno Hegirae" or "After Hijrah." Hijrah means "emigration." The Islamic

calendar starts from the day the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, emigrated

(made hijrah) from the cit of Makkah to the city of Madinah in 622 A.D.

Example: The year 2003 A.D. corresponds to the year 1423-1424 A.H.

3 Alhamdulillah

Definition: A phrase that Muslims often use in conversation, meaning "Praise be to

Allah."

Pronunciation: al-ham-doo-li-lah • (phrase)

Example: "I got an A on my exam, alhamdulillah!"

Alternate Spellings: al-hamdilillah, al-hamdulillah

4 Assalamu alaikum

Definition: A common greeting among Muslims meaning "Peace be with you." Extended

forms include "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (May the peace and mercy of Allah

be with you) and

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"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh" (May the peace, mercy, and blessings

of Allah be with you).

Pronunciation: as-salam-u-alay-koom • (phrase)

Alternate Spellings: salaam alaykum, assalaam alaykum, assalaam alaikum, and others

5 Eid

Definition: "Festival," one of the two Islamic holidays

Pronunciation: eed • (noun)

Also Known As: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha

Example: During the last few days of Ramadan, children begin to anticipate the

celebration of Eid.

Alternate Spellings: Id, 'Id, 'Eid

6 Eid al-Fitr

Definition: "Festival of Fast-Breaking," an Islamic holiday that falls at the end of

Ramadan

Pronunciation: eed al fitter • (noun)

Also Known As: Eid

Example: On the morning of Eid al-Fitr, we go to the mosque to pray, give in charity, and

celebrate the completion of the fast of Ramadan.

Alternate Spellings: Id al-Fitr, Eid ul-Fitr, 'Id, 'Eid

7 “Eid Mubarak!"

Definition: A phrase of greetings said among Muslims to congratulate each other on

holidays. It literally means, "Blessed Festival!" The appropriate answer is, "Allah

yubarak feek!" (May Allah bless it for you also?)

Pronunciation: eed moo-bar-ak • (phrase)

Example: A U.S. postage stamp commemorating the Muslim holidays reads "Eid

Mubarak" in both English and Arabic script.

Alternate Spellings: Id Mubarak, 'Eid Mubarak

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Definition: A phrase of greetings said among Muslims to congratulate each other on

holidays. It literally means, "Blessed Festival!" The appropriate answer is, "Allah

yubarak feek!" (May Allah bless it for you also!)

Pronunciation: eed moo-bar-ak • (phrase)

Example: A U.S. postage stamp commemorating the Muslim holidays reads "Eid

Mubarak" in both English and Arabic script.

8 Hilal

Definition: The very slight crescent moon that is first visible after a new moon. Muslims

look for the hilal when determining the beginning and end of Islamic months.

Pronunciation: hi-lal • (noun)

Example: As Ramadan approached, Muslims began searching the night sky for the hilal

which marks the beginning of the month.

9 Definition: The very slight crescent moon that is first visible after a new moon.

Muslims look for the hilal when determining the beginning and end of Islamic months.

Pronunciation: hi-lal • (noun)

Example: As Ramadan approached, Muslims began searching the night sky for the hilal

which marks the beginning of the month.

9 Fajr

Definition: One of the five daily Islamic prayers, performed before the break of dawn

Pronunciation: fah-jar • (noun)

Also Known As: salaat-l-fajr

Example: During Ramadan, Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal before fajr.

10 Iftar

Definition: A meal served at the end of the day during Ramadan, to break the day's fast.

Literally, "breakfast."

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Pronunciation: if-tar • (noun)

Also Known As: fitoor

Examples: During Ramadan, we sometimes go to the mosque to have iftar, breaking the

days fast with a community meal.

11 I'tikaf

Definition: A spiritual retreat in the mosque, usually performed during the last ten days of

Ramadan. A person "making i'tikaf" will spend the evening and night in the mosque,

devoting his or her time to worship and reading the Qur'an.

Pronunciation: i'tikaf (' stands for a gutteral stop, an Arabic sound that does not exist in

the English language) • (noun)

Example: During the last ten days of Ramadan, many people perform i'tikaf, spending a

whole night in worship in the mosque.

12 Juz

Definition: A section of the Qur'an equal to 1/30 of the text. During Ramadan, one

section is read each day during taraweeh prayers, so that by the end of the month, the

entire Qur'an has been read through once.

Pronunciation: jooz • (noun)

Example: During each day of Ramadan, we read one juz of the Qur'an.

13 Leyla al-Qadr

Definition: "The Night of Power" - a special night that falls during the last ten days of

Ramadan. It commemorates the night when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed

to Muhammad, peace be upon him. Leyla al-Qadr is said to fall on one of the odd-

numbered nights of the last ten days of the month (21st, 23rd, 25th, or 27th of Ramadan).

The Qur'an describes it as a night that is more valuable than a thousand months. For this

reason, many Muslims spend the entire last ten days in extra worship or retreat in the

mosque.

Pronunciation: layla-tul-qader • (noun)

Also Known As: The Night of Power

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Examples: Leyla al-Qadr is a very special night of Ramadan, commemorating the first

revelation of the Qur'an given to Muhammad.

Alternate Spellings: leylatulqadr, leyla-tul-qadr, layla al-qadr, others

14 Maghrib

Definition: One of the five daily Islamic prayers, performed just after sunset

Pronunciation: mah<gh>rib (the <gh> sound is a blend that does not exist in English) •

(noun)

Also Known As: salaat-l-maghrib

Examples: During Ramadan, Muslims break each day's fast at Maghrib.

Alternate Spellings: Maghreb

15 Masjed

Definition: Mosque; a Muslim house of worship. Literally means "place of prostration"

(in prayer).

Pronunciation: mas-jid • (noun)

Examples: During Ramadan, Muslims spend a lot of time at the masjed for special

prayers and community events.

Alternate Spellings: masjid

16 Qur’an

Definition: Islam's holy book; Allah's final revelation

Pronunciation: koor-an • (noun)

Example: Every day during prayer, Muslims recite passages from the Qur'an.

Alternate Spellings: quran, Koran

17 Ramadan

Definition: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims spend the

daylight hours in a complete fast

Pronunciation: rom-a-don • (noun)

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Example: During Ramadan, Muslims fast and spend extra time in devotion and prayer.

Alternate Spellings: Ramadhan

18 Sadaqah

Definition: Charitable giving, or the money given in charity

Pronunciation: sod-a-ka • (noun)

Example: During Ramadan, Muslims give a lot of sadaqah to help those in need.

Alternate Spellings: Sadaqa

19 Sadaqah al-Fitr

Definition: An amount given in charity to the poor at the end of Ramadan, to ensure that

everyone has enough to eat during Eid al-Fitr. This amount is traditionally paid in food

goods (rice, barley, flour, dates, etc.), collected locally, and distributed before the

Morning Prayer on the day of Eid.

Pronunciation: sod-a-kal-fitter • (noun)

20 Zakat

Definition: Special evening prayers performed during Ramadan. During each night's

prayer, one juz (1/30) of the Qur'an will be recited, so that by the end of the month the

entire Qur'an will have been read.

Pronunciation: tar-a-wee • (noun)

21 Sawm

Definition: Fasting. As practiced in Islam, this means a complete fast: no food or drink at

all during the daylight hours. Married Muslims refrain from intimacy as well, and all

those fasting are to steer away from anger, bad language, and bad deeds. The fasting

person's complete attention is to be on worship and devotion to God.

Pronunciation: sawm • (noun)

Alternate Spellings: siyam

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22 Suhoor

Definition: A small meal traditionally eaten before dawn during Ramadan; the final meal

before the day's fast begins.

Pronunciation: soo-hoor • (noun)

Example: During Ramadan, Yasmeen wakes up before dawn, has some eggs and toast for

soo-hoor, and then prays salaat-l-fajr. She then will fast for the whole day, until she has

iftar just after sunset.

THIS BOOKLET IS DEDICATED TO THE LOVING MEMORY OF MY PARENTS May Allah Grant Him Jannah!