Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the most blessed month of the year. It is the month in which the Quran was revealed, in which the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and in which fasting is obligatory upon every able Muslim. For UK Muslims, Ramadan is a time of deep spiritual renewal, increased worship, and community togetherness.
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam — the month of fasting (Sawm). Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) each day throughout the month. It is a time of heightened spirituality, increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, and charitable giving.
Why Is Ramadan Important in Islam?
Ramadan holds the highest status of any month in the Islamic calendar for several reasons:
- The Quran was first revealed in Ramadan: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran” (Quran 2:185)
- It contains Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is better than a thousand months
- The gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained
- Fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam
Who Must Fast in Ramadan?
Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory upon every Muslim who is:
- An adult (has reached puberty)
- Of sound mind
- Physically capable of fasting
- Not travelling (though travellers may fast if they wish)
- Not experiencing menstruation or post-natal bleeding (for women)
Those who are ill, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, or travelling have valid exemptions and may either make up the missed fasts later (Qadha) or pay Fidya where applicable.
What Are the Rules of Fasting in Ramadan?
When fasting, a Muslim must refrain from the following from Fajr to Maghrib:
- Eating and drinking (including water)
- Smoking
- Sexual relations
- Deliberately vomiting
One must also maintain spiritual discipline — avoiding backbiting, lying, and argument — to ensure the fast is spiritually accepted.
What Is Suhoor and Iftar?
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the Fajr prayer begins. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) to eat Suhoor, and there is great blessing in it. Iftar is the breaking of the fast at sunset (Maghrib). The Prophet (SAW) recommended breaking the fast with dates and water before the Maghrib prayer.
What Is Laylat al-Qadr?
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, is the most blessed night of the year. It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely on one of the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). The Quran was revealed on this night, and worship performed on Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months of worship. Muslims seek it by spending the last ten nights in increased prayer (Tahajjud), Quran recitation, and I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque).
Tarawih Prayers During Ramadan
Tarawih are special nightly prayers performed during Ramadan after the Isha prayer. They are a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) of the Prophet (SAW). In the UK, most mosques offer Tarawih prayers every night throughout Ramadan, typically completing the recitation of the entire Quran by the end of the month.
Charity in Ramadan
Ramadan is the most generous month of the year for Muslims. The rewards for charity are multiplied many times over. Many UK Muslims choose to pay their Zakat, Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana), and Sadaqah during Ramadan. The last ten nights in particular are an ideal time to give generously, especially if Laylat al-Qadr falls on those nights.
Eid al-Fitr: The Celebration at the End of Ramadan
Ramadan concludes with the joyful celebration of Eid al-Fitr, celebrated on the first day of Shawwal (the month following Ramadan). Muslims gather for the Eid prayer, exchange greetings, share meals with family and friends, and give gifts to one another. Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim must have paid their Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana).
Ramadan in the UK
Ramadan in the UK presents some unique considerations. Because the UK observes longer summer days, fasting hours can be significantly longer (up to 19 hours or more in June/July) than in Muslim-majority countries closer to the equator. UK Muslims are advised to check accurate Ramadan timetables issued by their local mosque or national Islamic organisations for the correct Fajr and Maghrib times in their area.
Conclusion
Ramadan is the greatest month of the Islamic year — a time of fasting, prayer, Quran recitation, charity, and spiritual growth. For UK Muslims, it is an opportunity to reconnect with Allah, strengthen community bonds, and fulfil one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Make the most of every day and night of this blessed month.