What is Ramadan? Everything to know about the Islamic fasting month.

It is Ramadan, a holy period for Muslims that is mainly about religion, awareness and fasting. Do you want to know what the Islamic fasting month exactly is and how Muslims experience it? Then read on to get to know more.

How to wish someone a happy Ramadan? Say Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem. This means a blessed or generous Ramadan.

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What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a holy period in the Islamic calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar the Islamic calendar is not based on the sun but on the cycle of the moon. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, but because the cycle of the moon varies, Ramadan always arrives in a different period.

This year, Ramadan began on March 11 and ends 29 or 30 days later when the new moon cycle begins.

The most famous part of Ramadan is fasting, but that is certainly not the only thing that matters. For Muslims it is mainly about peace, harmony and spirituality. In addition most Muslims give extra food or money to the less fortunate or charities, read the Quran and visit the Mosque. By doing all these things, Muslims get closer to their religion, cleanse their bodies, prove their self-control and increase their gratitude and awareness.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Those pillars are the essence of the religion and every Muslim should adhere to them. In addition to fasting, the other four pillars are: belief in Allah, giving to the less fortunate, praying five times a day and, if possible, making a pilgrimage to Mecca. Fasting is therefore one of the most important things in Islam.

Dates and thee to break the fast.

What are the rules for fasting?

From the moment the sun rises to the moment the sun goes down, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking. Every Muslim must adhere to this, although there are exceptions for sick, elderly, children, pregnant women and menstruating women. They may abstain from fasting or temporarily interrupt the fasting and can make up for the missed days at a later time.

For Muslims, the day begins with the morning prayer (fajr). This prayer always takes place when the sun rises and is therefore also the moment that fasting begins. Usually a breakfast (suhoor) is eaten before sunrise, after which the fasting begins. The fasting lasts until the sun goes down and it is time for the evening prayer (maghrib). After prayer and sunset, Muslims are allowed to eat again and break their fast with an iftar. This is the first meal after fasting and mostly includes easily digestible food such as dates or lentil soup. These foods quickly provide the body with the necessary energy and sugars that are much needed after a long day without food and drink.

What can and can't you eat as a Muslim?

Food and drink must be Halal for Muslims. Something is Halal when it is approved by the Quran. As for food, this mainly applies to products that contain meat. That meat must come from an animal that is slaughtered in a specific way for it to be Halal. There are various quality marks that show that a product is Halal and you can often see this by a logo on the packaging.

If something is not Halal, it is Haram. That also means that something is not approved according to the Quran. An example of something that Muslims are not allowed to eat is pork. That is because it is considered unclean. Muslims therefore do not eat pork, but also do not eat products containing gelatin (pork fat) or products prepared with the same cooking utensils as pork. Halal meat must therefore be prepared separately.

What do Muslims eat during Ramadan?

Islam is the largest religion in the world, which means that the religion is present in many different countries and cultures. Every country and culture has its own cuisine and that is why you will encounter different dishes at a suhoor, iftar or Eid al-Fitr in every family. 

Examples of popular dishes during Ramadan include Moroccan harira soup, Indonesian rendang, Indian Biryani and Egyptian Ful Medames. However, dates are the most popular. After all, it is the food with which Prophet Muhammad broke his fast. He did this because dates are easily digestible and quickly release sugars. That makes it the ideal food to quickly get new energy after a long day of fasting.

Moroccan harira soup.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

The Eid al-Fitr is the end of Ramadan. It is a festive occasion where Muslims gather together. They prepare delicious snacks and dishes, wear beautiful clothes and give each other money or gifts. In Islamic countries, most people are free during this celebration and often travel back to their place of birth. There they celebrate the end of Ramadan together with their family and friends.

We wish everyone who is going to fast a blessed month. Ramadan Mubarak!