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About Ramadan

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About Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month in which Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed. It begins when the new crescent moon is seen, so the first day can differ by a day between countries.

For about 30 days, adult Muslims who are able fast from dawn to sunset, without food or drink. Children, the sick, travellers, the elderly and pregnant women are excused. The fast is a time of prayer, patience, reading the Quran and giving to people in need.

Families wake before dawn for suhoor and break the fast at sunset with dates and water, then iftar with family, friends and neighbours. Mosques hold taraweeh prayers each night, and the last ten nights, with Laylat al-Qadr, are the most special. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr.

  • Ninth month of the Islamic calendar
  • 29 or 30 days, moon to moon
  • Fast from dawn to sunset

Where it began

Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed in Ramadan. Fasting in this month is one of the five pillars of Islam, kept by adults who are well enough to fast.

The month begins and ends with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Because the Islamic year is shorter than the solar year, Ramadan moves through all the seasons over about 33 years.

Friends share an iftar dinner after sunset

How it grew over time

  1. 7th century

    Fasting in Ramadan is made a duty for Muslims in the second year after the move to Medina.

  2. Early Islamic centuries

    Night prayers called Taraweeh are held together in mosques through the month.

  3. Medieval period

    Lanterns, evening markets and the call of drummers who wake people for the pre-dawn meal become part of city life.

  4. Today

    Mosques, homes and cities around the world hold iftar meals, often open to all.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Egypt

    Colourful fanous lanterns light homes and streets through the month.

  • India and Pakistan

    Old city lanes fill with iftar stalls selling dates, haleem and fried snacks after sunset.

  • Indonesia and Malaysia

    Ramadan bazaars sell sweets and snacks before families break the fast.

  • UK, US and Canada

    Mosques and community groups hold open iftars where neighbours of all faiths are welcome.

Ramadan moments

Tables set for an evening iftar
Breaking the fast together over a shared meal
Neighbours of many faiths gather for iftar

Ramadan today

Each day starts with suhoor, a meal before dawn, and ends with iftar at sunset, often with dates and water first. Evenings bring prayer, family meals and giving to those in need, and the month ends with Eid al-Fitr.

How people celebrate Ramadan

  • Watching for the crescent moon
  • Suhoor before dawn
  • Breaking the fast with dates
  • Iftar with family and neighbours
  • Taraweeh prayers at night
  • Reading the whole Quran
  • Giving charity and Zakat

How to wish well

  • Ramadan Mubarak (blessed Ramadan) and Ramadan Kareem (generous Ramadan) are both warm and correct.
  • Send wishes on the evening the moon is sighted or on the first morning of fasting.
  • At work, offer to move meetings away from iftar time and avoid eating in front of a fasting colleague when you can.
  • Keep the message warm and respectful. Ramadan is a month of devotion, so leave out jokes about fasting.
  • An invitation to iftar or a box of dates is a kind gesture to go with your wish.

Questions about Ramadan

When does Ramadan 2027 start?

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, depending on the moon sighting in each country. Fasting starts the next morning after the moon is seen.

What is the difference between Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem?

Ramadan Mubarak means blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem means generous Ramadan. Both are used as greetings for the month.

What do you reply to Ramadan Mubarak?

Many reply Khair Mubarak, or simply Ramadan Mubarak to you too. For Ramadan Kareem, a common reply is Allahu Akram, God is more generous.

How long is Ramadan?

Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, until the next new moon is seen. It ends with Eid al-Fitr.

Why does Ramadan move each year?

The Islamic calendar follows the moon and is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, so Ramadan comes about 11 days earlier each year.

What are suhoor and iftar?

Suhoor is the meal before dawn, before the day of fasting begins. Iftar is the meal at sunset that breaks the fast, often started with dates and water.

Can I wish Ramadan Mubarak if I am not Muslim?

Yes. A friendly Ramadan Mubarak from a colleague or neighbour is warmly received.

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