The blessed month brings 29 or 30 days of fasting and sacrifice, drawing Muslims closer to Allah (SWT). Here are some of the most overlooked facts about Ramadan.
Which Month of the Islamic Calendar Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, sitting between Sha'ban and Shawwal. Eid falls on the first day of Shawwal.
Why Is Ramadan Primarily Known as the Month the Qur'an Was Revealed?
Although Ramadan is usually known as the month of fasting, the Qur'an itself identifies it primarily as the month of its own revelation.
“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
Did Only Muslims Fast, or Did Earlier Nations Fast Too?
Fasting was not introduced solely for Muslims; the Qur'an describes it as an obligation placed on earlier nations too: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183]
Why Does Allah Reserve a Special Reward for Fasting?
Fasting is one of the most beloved acts to Allah (SWT), who alone decides how it is rewarded.
“Allah said, 'All the deeds of Adam's sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.”
What Were the Longest and Shortest Ramadan Fasts in 2021?
In 2021, the longest Ramadan fast was observed by Muslims in Greenland, who fasted for approximately 19 hours and 57 minutes each day. The shortest fasts were seen in the southern hemisphere, where Muslims in New Zealand fasted for around 11 hours and 20 minutes a day.
When Will Ramadan Fall During the Shortest Days of the Year in the UK?
The shortest fasting days in the UK occur around the winter solstice, 21 December. Because Ramadan follows the lunar calendar and moves earlier each year, the easiest Ramadan in the UK, and the northern hemisphere generally, will next occur around 2033.
At What Age Does Fasting Become Obligatory?
The fast of Ramadan only becomes mandatory on a person once they have reached the age of puberty.
Are There Any Health Benefits to Fasting?
Recent studies by doctors have shown that fasting can reduce high blood pressure, decrease inflammation, and give the digestive system a period of rest that improves metabolism, just a few of the benefits observed. Allah (SWT) revealed in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“…But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.”
Does Fasting Require More Than Just Abstaining From Food and Drink?
Fasting is meant to be accompanied by an increase in other acts of worship, especially the obligatory ones, alongside kindness to others, charity and Qur'an recitation. "Whoever does not give up false speech and evil deeds while fasting, then Allah is not in need of his leaving food and drink." [Bukhari]
Which Prophet Was Known for Fasting Every Other Day?
One hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states that Prophet Dawud (AS) used to fast most frequently of all: every other day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Ramadan fasting hours vary so much around the world?
Because the length of daylight depends on a country's latitude and the time of year Ramadan falls, fasting hours can range widely, as seen in the 2021 examples from New Zealand and Greenland.
Why does the length of the fasting day in the UK change from year to year?
Because Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, it moves earlier each solar year, meaning it will eventually align again with the shorter days around the winter solstice, when fasting is easiest in the northern hemisphere.
