What does Ramadan mean? Traditions and Rituals

Literal meaning

The word Ramadan derives from the Arabic root R-M-Ḍ (ر-م-ض) "scorching heat", which is the Classical Arabic verb "ramiḍa (رَمِضَ)" meaning "become intensely hot – become burning; become scorching; be blazing; be glowing".

The ninth month

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. It is used by Muslims worldwide to determine the dates of religious events and observances. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

The lunar calendar

The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning each month begins with a new astronomical moon. As lunar months are shorter than solar, the Islamic calendar does not correspond with the Gregorian calendar followed in the West, so that's why Ramadan occurs around 10 days earlier every year.

‍Isla Pillars - The Breaking of the Fast

It is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining not only from food and drink but also from tobacco products, sexual relations, and sinful behavior, devoting themselves to prayer and study of the Quran‍. The fasting period is a time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and social connection, culminating in the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, the "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast".

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The Ritual

Chapter 2, Verse 185 of the Quran explains the purpose of the ritual: “The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong).

“Allah desires for your ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.”

The tablets of Ibrahim, the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Quran were sent down on the 1st, 6th, 12th, 13th and 24th days of Ramadan, according to the faith.

​Ramadan is a holy month dedicated to prayer and reading the Quran. Generosity and giving to worthy causes and neighbours are encouraged.

It is a period for reflection, self-restraint, and warmth intended to bring Muslims closer to Allah, hence the abstention from earthly distractions like food and water, cigarettes, and sexual activity during daylight hours. A modest meal is taken before dawn known as “suhoor” and after dusk known as “iftar” but nothing whatsoever is consumed in between, not even water.

Fasting during Ramadan is a requirement for all Muslims from a young age, in some cases beginning as early as 10.

Those who are too ill to fast can be exempted if participating would mean endangering their health, as can the elderly, those suffering from a mental illness, those who are travelling, and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.

How should you wish someone a ‘Happy Ramadan’?

A saying familiar to many Muslims around the globe is, ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ which simply means ‘Blessed Ramadan’. Another commonly used term is, ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which translates to ‘Generous Ramadan’, both terms are from Arabic origins.