Dr. Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, marked by 29–30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting (sawm), daily prayers, and reflection. In 2026, it is observed with communal iftar meals, charity, and special nightly Tarawih prayers, culminating in the joyous Eid al-Fitr celebration. Ramadan brings with it a spirit of unity, with many communities hosting interfaith iftars, promoting solidarity across different backgrounds. It is a time for increased prayer, charity, and kindness, aiming to strengthen one’s connection with Allah and cultivate compassion and forgiveness.
The observance of Ramadan is very personal and individual and is a time for sacrifice and renunciation, as well as a period of reflection and spiritual growth. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. Healthy adult Muslims fast in Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts, and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran, and charity are also encouraged during the holy month. According to Islamic teachings, Ramadan holds greater importance as it is the time when Allah SWT (God) first revealed the Quran (the holy book of Muslims) to Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Fasting during this month is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. There is also a verse in the Quran that prescribes fasting for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to do so for the full day. Each pillar denotes an obligation of living a good Muslim life. The others include reciting the Muslim profession of faith, daily prayer, giving alms to the poor, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca. Ramadan concludes with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays. It is said that the month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed — a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. It is the anniversary of the Book of guidance, which transformed the illiterate Arabs into a highly cultured and civilised people within a short period — one of the shortest in human history.
Muslims go to work and school and take care of their usual activities during Ramadan; however, some also read the entire Quran, say special prayers, and attend mosques more frequently during this time. Muslims fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to God, and a way to become more compassionate toward those in need. Ramadan, one of the months in the Islamic calendar, was also part of the ancient Arabs’ calendar. The name Ramadan stems from the Arabic root “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat. Muslims believe that in A.D. 610, the angel Gabriel appeared to Prophet Muhammad and revealed to him the Quran, the Islamic holy book. That revelation, Laylat al-Qadr — the “Night of Power” — is believed to have occurred during Ramadan. The Quran deals with practically every subject related to human life and many branches of knowledge. Teaching someone is considered an “ongoing charity” — such a person continues to receive reward even after death.
Different cultures have different traditions during Ramadan, whether it is special food they prepare or gathering for iftar with extended family. Islamic tenets such as generosity have inspired many of these traditions, including sharing food and inviting guests for iftar. During Ramadan, Muslims aim to grow spiritually and build stronger relationships with Allah. They do this by praying and reciting the Quran, making their actions intentional and selfless, and abstaining from gossiping, lying, and fighting. The month of Ramadan is also a month of forgiveness. Allah SWT is the Most Forgiving to all believers. Most Muslims use this holy month to pray for forgiveness for sins — intentional or unintentional — committed in the past year. Marking the end of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide bid farewell to a month of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and community. The lessons of compassion, forgiveness, and self-discipline learned during this sacred period stay with them, inspiring a renewed commitment to faith and values. As Ramadan comes to a close, its spirit lives on, guiding Muslims to spread kindness, empathy, and peace throughout the year.
