Ramadan Mubarak!Fact Sheet & Keywords

WHAT IS RAMADAN?Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar and the holiest month in Islam. It is obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims to fast (sawm in Arabic) during this month. It is observed globally by Muslims as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Muslims observe this holy month by fasting (refraining from consuming any liquid, food, smoking, or some other activities) from sunrise to sunset. Muslims should also engage in providing charity and alms (zakat and sadaqah in Arabic) to those less fortunate.

HOW DO MUSLIMS OBSERVE RAMADAN? Muslims observe Ramadan in several key ways. All Muslims attempt to give up bad habits and fast during this month. The start of the fast observed before dawn is called the “suhoor” and the breaking of the fast, after sunset, is called the “iftar”.

It is also expected that all Muslims read the Islamic holy book, The Qur’an, in order to come closer to the word of God (in Islam, Qur’anic text was handed down from God to the archangel Gabriel, who revealed the text to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH)). Muslims also attend mosque prayers held after the breaking of the fast known as “Taraweeh”, in which “Surahs” (chapters) from the Qur’an are recited over the month.

WHY DOES THE MONTH OF RAMADAN CHANGE EVERY YEAR?In Islam, Muslims adhere to a lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar used in the West. The Islamic Calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, consists of 12 months but only 354-355 days. The calendar was established in 622 A.H.

Due to the difference between a lunar calendar and a solar calendar, the month of Ramadan drifts 11 days, each year. That is why Ramadan moves on an annual basis and does not have a set month in comparison to similar Abrahamic religions observed in the West.

EID-UL-FITR The end of Ramadan is celebrated by commemorating the day of Eid. The day can be translated as “the festival of breaking the fast,” and occurs when the new crescent moon is sighted in the sky. The celebration not only celebrates the end of fasting but also indicates Muslims’ gratitude to God in providing them the strength to practice self-control.

At Eid, it is also obligatory to give a set amount of your income to charity so that it could be used by the less fortunate to buy new clothes, food, and other provisions that would allow them to take part in the festivities.

Ramadan Mubarak translates to mean either "blessed Ramadan" or "happy Ramadan". Ramadan Kareem means "may Ramadan be generous to you."

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Ramadan Mubarak!Fact Sheet & Keywords

RamadanThe ninth month of the Islamic year when Muslims refrain from food, drink, smoking, and other activities between sunrise to sunset

SawmThe act of “fasting,” especially during the month of Ramadan; the fourth Pillar of Islam

IftarThe meal eaten by Muslims after sunset prayer (Maghrib)

SuhoorThe meal eaten by Muslims before sunrise prayer (Fajr)

ZakatThe act of “purifying.” It’s an annual sum or “tax” to purify one’s income and assets from sometimes worldly, impure ways of acquisition and to share some of their wealth with people in need. Many Muslims prefer to give away their zakat during Ramadan; it’s the third Pillar of Islam

SadaqahAlms-giving or charity donated at anytime of the year, but especially more during Ramadan

SalatThe act of “praying.” There are 5 obligatory, or “Fard,” prayers, which are: Fajr (Sunrise), Duhor (Noon), Asr (Afternoon), Maghrib (Sunset), and Isha (“Supper”)

TaraweehOptional prayers, or “Nafila,” performed specially during Ramadan only, usually after Isha prayer. It’s based on the Prophet (PBUH) tradition, or “Sunnah”

QyamAnother optional prayer, or “Nafila,” performed late at night or early hours of the morning before Fajr. It’s based on the Prophet (PBUH) tradition, or “Sunnah”

MasjidMosque in Arabic, the place where Muslims come to pray together

Eid-al-FitrThe first Muslim holiday after the end of the holy month of Ramadan

Eid-al-AdhaThe second Muslim holiday after the end of the Hajj season

HajjThe pilgrimage to Mecca that takes place in the last month of the Muslim calendar. All Muslims are expected to make the pilgrimage at least once during their lifetime if they have the financial and physical means. It’s the fifth Pillar of Islam

UmrahNon-mandatory, lesser pilgrimage made by Muslims to Mecca, which may be performed at any time of the year but especially during Ramadan

HijriIslamic ‘lunar’ calendar started after the Prophet’s (PBUH) emigration from Makkah to Medina in 622 A.D.

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The Qatar-America Institute Iftar Series is made possible thanks to the generous support of Gulf Bridge International (www.gbiinc.com)

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