Ramadan Special

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It is in this month that the revelation of the Qur’an began; hence Ramadan is also called the “month of the Qur’an.” Muslims are required to fast during this month. Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn (imsak) until sunset (maghrib prayer time).

In the solar calendar, Ramadan moves about 10–11 days earlier each year, so it falls in different seasons. The start and end of the month are determined by the sighting of the new moon or by astronomical calculation; in Turkey, the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) issues official announcements.

Religious Importance and Virtue of Ramadan

Ramadan is the month in which fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, was made obligatory. In Surah Al-Baqarah it is stated that Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind, and that those who witness the month should fast. This month is seen as a great opportunity for the forgiveness of sins, the acceptance of prayers, and spiritual growth.

Hadiths describe Ramadan as “the month of my Ummah,” when the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and devils are chained. These traditions encourage doing good and avoiding evil during Ramadan.

Fasting (Sawm)

Fasting in Ramadan means abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from imsak until maghrib each day. It is obligatory for adult, resident Muslims who are able to fast. Those with a valid excuse, such as travellers or the ill, may make up the fast later or give fidya (compensation).

What Breaks the Fast and What Does Not

Intentionally eating, drinking, or having sexual relations breaks the fast and requires making it up. Eating or drinking by mistake does not break the fast. For matters such as blood donation or injections, the detailed rulings in books of Islamic jurisprudence should be consulted.

Suhoor is the last meal before dawn, eaten with the intention of fasting; it is a Sunnah. Iftar is breaking the fast when maghrib time begins; breaking the fast with dates or water is recommended.

Tarawih Prayer

Tarawih is a Sunnah prayer specific to Ramadan, performed after the Isha prayer. It is established in hadith that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed and encouraged this prayer during Ramadan. The name comes from “tarwiha,” meaning to rest; the prayer is performed with a short pause after every four units (rak’ahs).

Tarawih consists of 20 rak’ahs, with a salutation (salam) after every 2 or 4 rak’ahs. Praying it in congregation is a stressed Sunnah; it may also be prayed alone. Tarawih is performed every night during Ramadan and is an important act of worship that strengthens the spirit of the month.

Witr Prayer: Units, Method, and Rulings

Witr is prayed after Isha and is considered obligatory (wajib) in the Hanafi school. “Witr” means odd number; the prayer is so named because it ends with an odd number of rak’ahs (e.g. 1, 3, or 5).

How Many Rak’ahs is Witr?

The most common practice is 3 rak’ahs of Witr, with one salam at the end of the three. It is also permissible to pray a single rak’ah; some scholars allow 1 rak’ah of Witr.

How to Pray Witr

After the intention, in the first rak’ah Al-Fatiha and an additional surah are recited, then ruku and sujud. The same is done in the second rak’ah. In the third rak’ah, after Al-Fatiha and the additional surah, the qunut supplications (e.g. “Allahumma inna nasta’inuka…”) are recited before ruku; then ruku and sujud are performed, followed by the sitting with tashahhud, salawat, and “Rabbana” supplications, then the closing salam.

Qunut Supplication

In the third rak’ah of Witr, the qunut is recited before ruku. The qunut supplications appear in many hadith and fiqh works; if one cannot memorise them, a verse or supplication such as “Rabbana atina” may be used.

When to Pray Witr

Witr may be prayed after Isha until imsak. If Tarawih is prayed, Witr is prayed after it. One who fears not waking at night may pray Witr right after Isha and then sleep; this is in line with the Prophet’s guidance.

Zakat and Fitr (Fitr Charity)

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam; it is the obligation for Muslims who meet certain financial conditions to give a defined portion of their wealth to those in need once a year. Ramadan is one of the most common times for giving Zakat; many Muslims calculate and distribute it in this month.

Fitr (Fitr charity) is a charity that every Muslim who has more than a certain amount of wealth beyond basic needs must give by the end of Ramadan. It is given per person; the head of the household may give on behalf of dependants. The amount is typically equivalent to the cost of one day’s basic food; religious authorities announce the amount each year.

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree)

Laylat al-Qadr is the night on which the Qur’an was sent down from the Preserved Tablet to the lowest heaven. In Surah al-Qadr it is described as “better than a thousand months.” Its exact date is not known; it is recommended to seek it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th); many Muslims observe the 27th night as Laylat al-Qadr.

Worship, reciting the Qur’an, supplication, and reflection on this night are considered to bring great reward. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to retreat in the mosque (i’tikaf) in the last ten days of Ramadan to devote himself to these nights.

Iftar and Suhoor

Iftar is breaking the fast when maghrib time begins. Breaking the fast with dates or water is a Sunnah; after maghrib prayer, the meal may be eaten. Making the iftar supplication and feeding those who are fasting are highly rewarded.

Suhoor is the meal eaten late at night before imsak. Having suhoor is a Sunnah and is encouraged in hadith (“there is blessing in suhoor”). Suhoor also helps those fasting to sustain themselves through the day. When imsak begins, eating and drinking must stop; you can follow imsakiye and prayer times for your location.