Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, which is the most revered month in the Islamic calendar (Hijri). These fascinating facts demonstrate the significance of Ramadan in Islam.

• Holy Quran was first revealed in the month of Ramadan.
• Fasting in the month of Ramadan is the fourth Pillar of Islam among the five.
• Fasting helps to attain Taqwa (performing of actions which please Allah and abstaining from those actions that displease Him).
• Ramadan is known to be the month of Quran. It is highly recommended in the Ramadan to read and study the Holy Quran and to share with others.
• The Night of Decree or The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr ) is in this month, which is better than a thousand months.
• In this Holy month, the gates of Paradise are opened, gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up.
• Umra’h (shorter/minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj (major pilgrimage).
• Muslims observe I’tikaaf (residing in the mosque for worship) in the Ramadan especially in the last 10 days of this Holy month.
• It is very rewarding act in Ramadan to offer Iftaar (sunset meal to break fast) to those who are fasting.
• It is also highly recommended to give Zakat (obligatory tax/donation – 2.5% of wealth/savings/assets) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) in the Ramadaan.
• It is said in an authentic Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that fasting in the Ramadan sincerely out of faith and in the hope of reward, we will be forgiven all our previous sins, provided the major sins are not committed.

When Is Ramadan?

Beginning at dusk on March 22nd and lasting through April 20th in 2023, Ramadan.

The ninth month of the 12-month Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon, is Ramadan. The solar calendar is 11 days longer than the lunar calendar.

Ramadan consequently doesn’t begin on the same day every year and instead progresses through all the seasons over time.

Why Is Ramadan Celebrated?

Ramadan is remembered as the month when Muhammad first heard from God the revelations that would later become the Quran, the holy book for Muslims.

The Quran states:

“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.”

Eid al-Fitr

A significant celebration called Eid al-Fitr (also spelled Eid ul-Fitr), also known as the Feast of Fast-Breaking, is held to mark the end of Ramadan. It begins and lasts for three days the day after Ramadan.

Special prayers, meals with friends and family, and gift-exchanging are all part of Eid al-Fitr.

The first Eid al-Fitr dinner was held at the White House in 1996, with Hillary Clinton as the first lady at the time. The custom was maintained by President Bill Clinton for the remainder of his term in office.

President George W. Bush, who succeeded him, started hosting iftar dinners at the White House in 2001 and continued the tradition throughout his two terms in office.

Following suit, President Barack Obama held his first White House Ramadan dinner in August 2010.

President Donald Trump celebrated the Muslim holy month with iftar dinners in 2018 and 2019 after skipping it in 2017.