Ramadan Basics
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset to grow closer to Allah.
Which major Islamic battle occurred during Ramadan and what year?
The Battle of Badr the first major battle in Islam took place on the 17th of Ramadan, in 2 AH.
What year was the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) born in and what was happening during that time?
In the Year of the Elephant (570 CE), when Abraha attempted to destroy the Kaaba.
What natural remedy mentioned in hadith is used to treat illnesses and is also consumed during Ramadan?
Honey “There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying color wherein is healing for mankind.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:69)
How many Surahs are there in the Qur’an?
114 Surahs
Who was the first president of the United States?
George Washington
What are Suhoor and Iftar?
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins.
Iftar is the meal to break the fast at sunset.
When was the Qur’an first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) what year and how old was the prophet when the Quran was revealed?
The first revelation of the Qur’an came on Laylat al-Qadr, during Ramadan, in the year 610 CE, when the Prophet was 40 years old.
Who was the first 4 people to accept Islam?
Khadijah (RA) – his wife, was the first Muslim Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) (child), Zayd ibn Harithah (RA) (freed slave), and Abu Bakr (RA) (adult man).
What is the minimum amount of dates the Prophet (ﷺ) would break his fast with, if available?
An odd number often three dates.
Hadith: “He would break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if none, then dry dates; if none, then water.” (Abu Dawood)
Which Surah was revealed completely at once?
Surah Al-An’am (Surah 6)
What is the longest river in the world?
The Nile River
What are the three levels of fasting in Islam?
Basic fast: Abstaining from food, drink, and desires.
Middle level: Also guarding the eyes, ears, tongue, and actions from sin.
Highest level: Fasting of the heart—completely focusing on Allah, avoiding worldly distractions.
When and who was the practice of Taraweeh prayer institutionalized in congregation?
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) organized Taraweeh prayer in congregation during his Caliphate.
What was the name of the treaty signed between the Muslims and Quraysh before the conquest of Makkah?
Treaty of Hudaybiyyah – signed in 6 AH.
Which food is mentioned in the Qur’an as a fruit of Paradise and often eaten in Ramadan?
Dates and olives.
Who was the first person to write down the Qur’an?
Zayd ibn Thabit (RA)
In what year did World War II end?
1945
What are the signs of Laylat al-Qadr according to Hadith?
Calm, peaceful night; not too hot or cold.No shooting stars.Sun rises the next morning without rays, like a white disc.Strong sense of serenity and spiritual elevation.
What empire officially established Ramadan fasting as a state-practiced act of worship?
Fasting was practiced by the early Islamic Caliphate, but Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates.
Which Surah did the Prophet (ﷺ) recite during Fajr that led to the conversion of Umar ibn Al-Khattab?
Surah Taha.
What was the Prophet’s favorite type of dates?
Ajwa dates, especially from Madinah.
In which Surah is Sajdah (prostration) required during recitation? Name any two.
Surah As-Sajdah (32),
Surah Al-A‘raf (7),
Surah Al-Najm (53),
Surah Al-‘Alaq (96)
(There are 14 places of Sajdah in the Qur’an.)
Who won the FIFA World Cup in 2018?
France
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan and what aya does it say it?
Muslims fast because it is commanded by Allah in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183) as a way to attain taqwa (God-consciousness).
How did the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) spend the last 10 nights of Ramadan?
He performed I’tikaf (seclusion in the masjid) and increased worship, seeking Laylat al-Qadr.
Who led the Muslim army at the Battle of Mu’tah after the Prophet (ﷺ) appointed him?
First leader: Zayd ibn Harithah (RA)
Then Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, then Abdullah ibn Rawahah, finally Khalid ibn al-Walid.
Which two types of drinks are described in the Qur'an as blessings, and are often consumed during Ramadan and the aya?
Milk and Honey Surah Muhammad 47:15 describes rivers of milk and honey in Paradise.
How many Makki and Madani Surahs are in the Qur’an?
Makki Surahs: 86
Madani Surahs: 28
Which NBA team has won the most championships and how many did they win?
The Boston Celtics and The Los Angeles Lakers (Each has won 17 championships)