Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, occupies a central place in the lives of Muslims around the world. Much more than just a period of abstinence from food, Ramadan is a month of fasting, intense devotion, spiritual purification and sharing. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, the fundamental obligations that every Muslim must observe [2]. This sacred month offers a unique opportunity to draw closer to God, strengthen one’s faith and cultivate essential values such as patience, compassion and solidarity.
Origins and deeper meaning
The term “Ramadan” derives from the Arabic root “ar-ramad”, which evokes “intense heat” or “sun-scorched earth” [1][3]. This etymology can be interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual purification, where sins are burned away through fasting and acts of devotion. According to Islamic tradition, it was during the month of Ramadan that the Quran, the sacred book of Islam, was revealed to the prophet Muhammad via the angel Gabriel [3][5]. This revelation began in the year 610 A.D. and lasted some 23 years. The first night of the revelation, known as “Laylat Al Qadar” or “Night of Destiny”, is considered the holiest night of the year [3]. It is usually celebrated towards the end of Ramadan, and Muslims commemorate it with intense prayers, readings from the Quran and invocations, hoping to receive divine blessings and forgiveness for their sins.
The Ramadan Fast: An Act of Worship and Purification
Fasting (Saoum in Arabic) is the most emblematic practice of Ramadan. It is compulsory for all healthy adult Muslims [1]. Fasting begins each day before dawn, just after the Suhoor meal, and ends at sunset, with the Iftar meal. During this period, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking (including water), smoking and sexual relations [2][9].
Fasting objectives
The Ramadan fast has several spiritual and moral objectives:
- Strengthening piety and closeness to God: Fasting is first and foremost an act of worship and obedience to God. By depriving themselves of physical needs, Muslims seek to draw closer to their Creator and strengthen their awareness of His constant presence.
- Developing patience and self-control: Fasting is a test of patience and discipline. It teaches Muslims to control their desires and endure hardship with resilience.
- Cultivating Empathy and Compassion: By feeling hunger and thirst, Muslims are better able to understand the suffering of the destitute and develop empathy for them.
- Purifying the body and soul: Fasting is seen as a means of purifying the body of toxins and the soul of sins. It allows us to refocus on what’s essential and to detach ourselves from material concerns.
- Strengthening Gratitude: By depriving themselves of food and drink, Muslims become aware of the value of these benefits and express their gratitude to God for His gifts.
Fasting exceptions
Islam is a religion of mercy and ease. Some people are exempt from the obligation to fast, including:
- The Sick: Those whose health could be affected by fasting.
- Travelers: Those who undertake a long and arduous journey.
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: To preserve their health and that of their child.
- Elderly people: those whose health is fragile and who cannot tolerate fasting.
- Children who have not reached puberty: They are not yet subject to religious obligations.
- People suffering from mental or physical disorders: those unable to understand or observe fasting.
These people can make up for missed fasting days at a later date, when their situation allows. For those unable to fast at all, such as the elderly or chronically ill, they must feed a poor person for each day of fasting missed. This compensation is called “Fidya”.
A Typical Ramadan Day: Between Devotion and Sharing
Ramadan gives rhythm to the daily life of Muslims with specific practices:
- Suhoor: The meal taken before dawn, before the fast begins. It is recommended to eat nutritious and hydrating foods to prepare for the day of fasting.
- Dawn Prayer (Fajr): The first of the five daily prayers, performed before sunrise.
- Fasting: Total abstinence from food, drink, tobacco and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset.
- Daily prayers: Muslims perform the five obligatory prayers throughout the day (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha).
- Iftar: The breaking of the fast at sunset. It is traditional to break the fast with dates and water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad [2][7]. Iftar is often a time for sharing with family and friends.
- Supererogatory prayers (Tarawih): After the evening prayer (Isha), supererogatory (optional) prayers called Tarawih are performed. These are generally longer than the usual prayers, and involve reciting portions of the Quran [2][7]. Tarawih are often performed in congregation at the mosque, strengthening community ties.
The Spiritual and Social Dimensions of Ramadan
Ramadan is much more than just fasting. It is a period rich in spirituality and social action:
- Reading and reciting the Quran: Muslims are encouraged to read and recite the Quran assiduously during Ramadan. Many Muslims strive to read the entire Quran at least once during this month.
- Supplementary prayers and invocations: In addition to the five obligatory daily prayers, Muslims multiply their supplementary prayers and invocations, asking God for forgiveness, help and guidance.
- Charity and Generosity (Zakat and Sadaqa): Ramadan is a month of sharing and generosity. Muslims are encouraged to give to the poor and needy, through Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and Sadaqa (voluntary almsgiving). Zakat al-Fitr, a specific almsgiving at the end of Ramadan, is intended to enable the most needy to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
- Strengthening family and community ties: Ramadan is a special time for getting together with family and friends, sharing Iftar meals, praying together and supporting each other.
- Improving behavior and character: Muslims strive to improve their behavior, to show more patience, tolerance, benevolence and self-control during Ramadan. They seek to purify themselves of bad habits and cultivate moral qualities.
The Lunar Calendar and Ramadan Dates
Ramadan, like all the months of the Islamic calendar, is based on the cycles of the moon. The lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, the dates of Ramadan move backwards each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar [2]. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to start around March 1 and end around March 30 [9]. The exact date is determined by observing the new moon, which can lead to slight variations from country to country. You can find a printable Ramadan 2025 calendar here.
The End of Ramadan: Eid el-Fitr, the Feast of the Breaking of the Fast
The month of Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s two major festivals (the other being Eid al-Adha). Eid al-Fitr marks the end of fasting and is a day of joy, gratitude and festivities [1]. Muslims perform a special congregational prayer on Eid morning, wear new clothes, exchange greetings and gifts, and share festive meals with family and friends. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims must pay the Zakat al-Fitr, an obligatory alms for the less fortunate, so that they too can celebrate the holiday with dignity [9].
Conclusion
Ramadan is a period of vital importance in the lives of Muslims. It is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, sharing and spiritual purification. It offers a unique opportunity to draw closer to God, strengthen faith, cultivate essential moral values and consolidate community ties. Ramadan reminds Muslims of the importance of gratitude, patience, compassion and solidarity, values that should guide them throughout the year.
References :
[1] https://humanappeal.fr/news/2024/qu-est-ce-que-le-ramadan
[2] https://www.superprof.fr/blog/ramadan-guide-complet/
[3] https://www.nationalgeographic.fr/histoire/ramadan-comprendre-son-histoire-et-la-tradition
[4] https://gomuslim.fr/tout-savoir-sur-le-jeune-du-mois-de-ramadan/
[5] https://www.lepelerin.com/religions-et-spiritualites/culture-interreligieuse/quest-ce-que-le-ramadan-5608
[6] https://neyssa-shop.com/blog/12-conseils-pour-reussir-son-ramadan/
[7] https://oumma.com/la-veritable-signification-du-mois-sacre-du-ramadan-1-2/
[8] https://audio.islamweb.net/frh/frensh_books/BookletRamadanf.pdf
[9] https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan