Fasting
True or False. Do Muslims eat during dawn-to-sunset fasting?
False. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in immoral behaviour during fasting
What is the purpose of Ramadan?
This holiday is to celebrate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as it's one of the Five Pillars of Islam
After 29 or 30 days concluded by the festival of the Eid-al-Fitr
Do you have to eat before the sun rises and after the sun sets?
True or False. Iftar is the evening meal to break the fast.
True. Iftar is the evening meal to break the daily fast.
What do you consume in order to break the fast at sunset?
Dates and Water
How does experiencing hunger show empathy?
Feeling hunger is intended to help Muslims understand the struggles of the less fortunate and increase their commitment to charity
Which month of the lunar Islamic calendar does Ramadan occur?
The ninth month (9)
Is it mandatory to read the whole Quran during Ramadan?
No, it is not mandatory but is highly recommended to read it.
Is Suhoor mandatory?
While it is not mandatory, The Prophet Muhammad encouraged it, saying there is a special "blessing" in the meal.
Fasting focuses on...
Spiritual reflection, self-discipline, charity, increased devotion, and empathy for the less fortunate.
How does the month strengthen family and community bonds?
Through communal prayers (Taraweeh) and shared sunset meals (Iftar), Ramadan creates a unique environment for reconnecting with loved ones and neighbors.
When does Ramadan start and end?
In 2026, Ramadan began on February 17, and it will conclude on Thursday, March 19
True or False. Ramadan is a holiday?
False. Ramadan is the ninth, holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
What is the specific moon phase that starts Ramadan?
It is the sighting of the Hilal (the thin waxing crescent moon).
How long does Muslims have to fast for?
They have to fast for a 29-30 day period from dawn to sunset
Why is charity involved during Ramadan?
Donating to others mainly focuses on Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity), which are mentioned in the Quran
How is the official start date determined for Ramadan?
It begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon
What do you do if you miss fasting days?
You make it up later after the following days.
Why consume dates to break the fast?
To follow the example of Prophet Muhammad, and quickly restore the body's energy.
What else is forbidden during fasting, other than refraining from food?
Muslims are advised to avoid negative behaviours like gossiping, swearing, and arguing.
How does Ramadan help "burn away" negative habits?
"Ramadan" is from the word Arabic Ar-Ramd, meaning "intense heat," symbolizing the burning away of sins through devotion and purification.
What is the special charity given to the poor before the Eid prayer?
Zakat-al-Fitr
Fasting during Ramadan is which of the "Five Pillars of Islam"?
The fourth pillar.
What is the literal meaning of Suhoor in Arabic?
"The last part of the night."