Ramadan is the most important time of the year for Muslims around the world. It’s a time for restraint, reflection and generosity - a time when families come together to celebrate their faith, sharing food and resources. Everyone seeks the pleasure of Allah (SWT) by being punctual with prayers, spending more time with the Quran and trying to be a better Muslim in general. It’s a time when Muslims stop eating and drinking from dawn to sunset every day for the whole month, which lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on moonsighting. UKIM provides valuable information about Ramadan and the Islamic Calendar.
Ramadan is the most blessed month in Islam. Fasting in Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. As mentioned in the narration below, the last ten nights include Layla-tul-Qadr, on which the angels descend and prayers are granted. The Prophet (SAW) said about Ramadan:
“There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it, there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” (Narrated by al-Nasai, 2106; Ahmad, 8769)
Quran was revealed in this noble month, as Allah (SWT) says in the verse quoted below:
“Verily, We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).” [al-Qadr 97:1]
Fasting, besides being obligatory, is a matter of the greatest reward in this month. According to a narration, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (al-Bukhari, 2014; Muslim, 760)
Apart from prayers and fasting, there are other acts of worship which are observed with the intention of reward. Refraining from sinful, immoral acts is a must during the fast. Individuals are highly encouraged to make every effort to increase their spirituality and stay away from actions that have a damaging effect on faith.
Remembrance of Allah (SWT) is paramount to increasing goodness during the holy month. One of the prescribed acts towards this end is Tarawih. Tarawih prayers are supplementary night prayers that happen in mosques after Isha. During Tarawih, the whole Quran is recited by heart over the month by the Imams, in accordance with the illustrious tradition established since the time of the companions. The Prophet (SAW) himself used to recite to the angel Jibril during Ramadan. Those praying with the Imam until he finishes are considered to have spent the whole night in worship according to a hadith of the Prophet (SAW) (Abu Dawud (1370).
Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj, according to the Hadith of the Prophet (SAW). In advice to a woman who could not perform Hajj with him, the Prophet (SAW) said, “When Ramadan comes, go for Umrah, for Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.” [Al-Bukhari (1782) and Muslim (1256)]
Itikaf, during Ramadan, is one of the established Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). According to his wife, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet (SAW) used to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in i'tikaf until he passed away, and then his wives observed i'tikaf after him. (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1922; Muslim, 1172).
Ramadan 2025 is estimated to start on either 28th February or 1st March, depending on moonsighting. There are certain steps that those observing the holy month will be taking to maximise reward. These include charity - both Zakat and Sadaqah - Umrah, Itikaf and offering Iftar to those who are fasting.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 807).
UKIM helps support the cause of feeding those in need during Ramadan. You can support this by donating to one of UKIM’s appeals, which includes Ramadan Food Packs, Sadaqah, Zakat, Fidya and Kaffara, and Fitrana.
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal and marks the end of Ramadan. From the sunset of the day of Ramadan, it is recommended to recite Takbir until the time of Eid prayer. The believers start the day with the Eid prayer, declaring the greatness of Allah (SWT) and giving thanks to Him. Families and friends get together, share a nice meal and exchange gifts. It’s a day of joy and blessings – it is highly recommended to have a shower in the morning, dress in the best clothes, wear perfume and gather out in the open for congregational prayer. Part of the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet is to eat something sweet before Eid prayer.
Before Eid prayer, Zakat-ul-Fitr or Fitrana must be paid by all who can afford it. It becomes obligatory on the last day of Ramadan and is normally paid in the last few days to ensure it reaches the deserving people. Zakat-ul-Fitr must be paid by the head of household on behalf of all his dependents, including minor children.
According to a narration, Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr, one saa’ of dates or one saa’ of barley, obligatory on the Muslims, slave and free, male and female, young and old, and commanded that it should be given before the people went out to pray.” (Al-Bukhaari, 1407)
(A saa’ is approximately equivalent to three kilograms of rice).
To pay Zakat-ul-Fitr, please click the button below.
Donate generously to keep up with the spirit of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr and brighten up someone’s day by contributing towards UKIM’s Eid Gift appeal.
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