Traditions and Celebrations: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

WHAT IS RAMADAN? –

It is a quiet night at home. Ayesha is with her family. They are reading from the Qur’an. It is the holy book of Islam. People who follow the Islam religion are called Muslims.

It is the start of the month of Ramadan. This Muslim holiday is celebrated around the world. During Ramadan, Muslims pray to God. They fast during the day. They spend time with loved ones. They try to become better people.

WHEN IS RAMADAN? –

Muslims use a lunar calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar. It begins when the first crescent moon is seen after sunset.

The lunar calendar is a little shorter than the solar calendar. Each solar year, Ramadan happens about 11 days sooner than the year before. As years pass, Ramadan comes in different seasons.

Muslim children watch for the crescent moon in the sky. It is exciting to begin the month of Ramadan!

WHAT DOES FASTING MEAN? –

One important part of Ramadan is fasting. Fasting is choosing to not eat or drink for a reason. Many Muslims fast from dawn until sunset during Ramadan.

Fasting helps Muslims learn to be patient. It reminds them to be grateful. It also reminds them to help people who are in need.

Not everyone is able to fast during Ramadan. Small children do not need to fast. Sick or elderly people may also choose not to fast.

SUHOOR –

During Ramadan, Muslim families rise very early. They eat a Suhoor meal together before dawn.

Healthy foods are served. Suhoor might include lentils, beans, eggs, fruits, juices, and water. These help people feel less hungry and thirsty during the day.

The Suhoor meal ends with a prayer at dawn. It is the first prayer of the day.

IFTAR –

After sunset, Muslims end their fast. They eat a light Iftar meal. It begins with dried fruit called dates. Iftar gives energy to the body.

After Iftar is a prayer. It is the sunset prayer. Then a larger meal is served. It may have soup, fish, chicken, or other meat. Vegetables, rice, bread, and dessert are also served. People come together for a delicious meal!

THE QUR’AN AND PRAYER –

Ramadan is a special month. Muslims celebrate that God began to teach the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe this happened more than 1,400 years ago during Ramadan.

Reading the Qur’an is a part of Muslims’ worship. Many Muslims read a part each day during Ramadan. Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days. Some people read the whole Qur’an during the month.

Muslims pray five times each day. The first prayer is at dawn. There are also prayers at noon, mid-afternoon, and sunset. The last prayer is at night.

Prayer is especially important during the month of Ramadan. Mosques hold a large worship service each night of Ramadan.
Muslims may pray at a mosque or pray at home. As children get older, they learn to pray with their parents.