Ramadan is a time of deep spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and community, observed by over a billion Muslims worldwide. This sacred month, which goes back to the 7th century, brings together various traditions while uniting people through fasting and prayers. As time evolved this sacred time has evolved along with it, but the core practices have remained.
The month known as Ramadan holds deep historical and spiritual significance in Islam, going all the way back to 610 AD when Prophet Muhammad found the first revelation of the Quran during this month. The full text of the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad over the next 23 years. After some Muslims migrated to Medina in 622 AD, the verses about fasting were revealed two years later, and the practices of Ramadan were created. During Ramadan, the early Muslim community fasted from dawn to sunset, and ended their fast with dates. Prophet Muhammad also began performing extra night prayers which later became a practice.
This year, Ramadan started on February 28 and will end on March 29. Each day of Ramadan starts with a pre-dawn meal, suhoor, and then early morning prayers are carried out. After this, food and distracting activities are avoided. The focus of the day is the five daily prayers, being charitable, being responsible and reading the Quran. The day ends with a meal at sunset and prayers with family. Ramadan concludes with Eid-ul-Fitr, a celebratory feast where Muslims gather for prayers and meals. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and community building.
Ramadan has evolved significantly since its beginnings in the 7th century. While the core practices of fasting and prayer have remained the same, over time unique traditions have been brought to different regions. For example, In Ottoman Turkey, drummers woke people for the pre-dawn meal, while in Morocco, a town crier roamed the streets to announce the time for suhoor.
In Egypt, lanterns became a symbol of Ramadan, and the “iftar cannon” was introduced to state the time to break the fast. Today, 1.8 billion people worldwide observe the month in their own unique ways.
