25 Intriguing Ramadan Facts You Might Not Know

Posted by , Updated on January 23, 2024

Have you ever wondered what Ramadan is? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Every year, all over the world, millions of people in the Muslim faith celebrate and participate in Ramadan. It’s a time of reflection, fasting, and spirituality. To celebrate, they follow certain customs and rules for a lunar month. At the very end, they have a big celebration. Even though it happens every year, there are still plenty of people who aren’t aware what it really is. Hence, why you’re probably here. Curious to find out more about it? Here are 25 Intriguing Ramadan Facts You Might Not Know.

25

It's celebrated on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This year (2018) it lasts from May 15th to June 14th, but those dates vary each year.

ramadanSource: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ramadan-2018-calendar-timetable-uk-when-is-it-this-year-latest-timings-a8324811.html
24

Ramadan is celebrated as the time when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE.

quranSource: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-Issues/2013/0709/Ramadan-101-Ten-facts-about-the-holy-month-of-Ramadan/What-is-Ramadan
23

During Ramadan, fasting from food, drink, and other pleasures is expected, focusing instead on prayer and spirituality. They also are encouraged to abstain from gossip and cursing.

prayerSource: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-Issues/2013/0709/Ramadan-101-Ten-facts-about-the-holy-month-of-Ramadan/What-is-the-purpose-of-Ramadan
22

Before the fast begins each day at dawn, they will have an early morning meal called "suhoor."

mealSource: https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/islam/islam/ramadan
21

Right at sunset, the fast is broken with a meal called "iftar." This usually includes dates and water which is what the Prophet Muhammad used to break his fasts.

datesSource: https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/islam/islam/ramadan
20

At night, a large and elaborate meal can be eaten at a mosque or with family and friends. Sweets are often quite popular at these meals.

iftarSource: https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/islam/islam/ramadan
19

Certain groups are exempt from fasting, including pregnant women, the mentally or physically ill, and children.

pregnantSource: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-Issues/2013/0709/Ramadan-101-Ten-facts-about-the-holy-month-of-Ramadan/Exceptions-to-the-fast
18

Those who cannot fast can substitute their fasting by feeding a poor person.

poorSource: https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/islam/islam/ramadan
17

Curious to know about how many people celebrate Ramadan? Well, to give you a general idea, as of 2015, there were 1.8 billion Muslims in the world. That number is expected to increase by 3 billion by 2060.

muslimsSource: https://www.cnn.com/2013/06/05/world/ramadan-fast-facts/index.html
16

If a Muslim person breaks their fast unintentionally, there is no punishment. However, some infractions require making up for missed days which is called "Qada."

break fastSource: https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/islam/islam/ramadan
15

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam called "Sawm."

five pillars of islamSource: https://www.cnn.com/2013/06/05/world/ramadan-fast-facts/index.html
14

While fasting in other religious contexts is for mourning or penance, fasting during Ramadan is celebratory and a time of gratitude and thanksgiving to Allah (God).

Ramadan_jerusalem_kmhadSource: https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/islam/islam/ramadan
13

Made specifically for the holy month, lanterns, called Fanoos, can play a big part in decorating for the celebration and have become a typical symbol for Ramadan. They're especially popular in Egypt but have spread to other countries as well.

an intriguing ramadan with two childs holding a lanternSource: https://www.familyholiday.net/the-origins-of-the-ramadan-lantern-fanous-of-egypt-and-beyond/
12

Due to high demand, in some countries, prices for certain foods and clothing inflate dramatically during Ramadan. For example, the price of tea can be six times higher than usual. Subsequently, economic productivity drops due to the sluggishness people feel from fasting.

ramadan shoppingSource: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-Issues/2013/0709/Ramadan-101-Ten-facts-about-the-holy-month-of-Ramadan/A-month-of-big-changes
11

While you might think people lose a lot of weight during Ramadan, the opposite is true. People are lazier during the day and eat more at night.

scaleSource: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-Issues/2013/0709/Ramadan-101-Ten-facts-about-the-holy-month-of-Ramadan/A-month-of-big-changes
10

You might be wondering how athletes deal with fasting, and there are many different ways. Some athletes will have make up fasting days; some will fully participate and claim their performance even improves. There are also others who will drink a little water or fast except for a small pre-game meal.

soccer ballSource: https://deadspin.com/how-muslim-athletes-deal-with-ramadan-1597088072
9

While children are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, once they reach puberty, they are obligated to participate.

childrenSource: http://metro.co.uk/2015/06/18/16-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-ramadan-5251400/
8

Non-Muslims can wish Muslims a happy Ramadan by saying, "Ramadan Mubarak." It means, "Have a blessed Ramadan."

ramadan mubarakSource: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-Issues/2013/0709/Ramadan-101-Ten-facts-about-the-holy-month-of-Ramadan/Traveling-during-Ramadan
7

Charity is a huge part of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to give on a regular basis in the form of "Zakat," which is mandatory, or "Sadaqa," which is voluntary. Muslims who give during Ramadan supposedly reap greater rewards.

for the poorSource: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-Issues/2013/0709/Ramadan-101-Ten-facts-about-the-holy-month-of-Ramadan/Charity-is-an-important-part-of-Ramadan
6

If they fast correctly and still eat a proper diet, many Muslims experience positive benefits from fasting. It can release endorphins and improve mental well-being. A detoxification process in their body can also occur.

muslim motherSource: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/9-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-ramadan_us_574352b7e4b045cc9a71a924
5

Prayer is also a big part of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to attend services where they practice nightly prayers called, "Tarawih."

muslim prayerSource: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-ramadan-2004619
4

Every country and region celebrates Ramadan differently. For instance, in Indonesia, music plays a large part in the celebrations.

ramadan singaporeSource: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-ramadan-2004619
3

The end of Ramadan is called "Eid Al-Fitr," or most just called it Eid. It occurs on first day of the Islamic lunar Month of Shawwal.

eid al fatrSource: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-ramadan-2004619
2

On Eid, Muslims will wake before dawn and say a special prayer called "Salatul Fajr." Then, they'll wash and put on their best clothes and cologne. They also celebrate by giving, eating a large meal with family, and going to the mosque.

eidSource: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-ramadan-2004619
1

It's traditional for Muslims to wish each other a blessed or happy Eid by saying, "Eid Mubarak."

eid mubarakSource: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-ramadan-2004619


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