What Is Ramadan, And How Do People Observe It?
In 2025, Ramadan will take place from February 28th through March 29th. In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month of the year and serves as a time of fasting and prayer. While there tend to be many similarities in how it’s observed, there can be slight differences between cultures. Below, explore Ramadan and the various ways Muslims observe this holy month in multiple countries worldwide.
What Is Ramadan?
Different cultures around the world observe Ramadan differently. While some people see Ramadan as a time of fasting, others see it as a time of general restraint from dawn until dusk. During this time, some may refrain from food and drink and strive to have more pure thoughts and deeds.
During Ramadan, people often begin the day with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor. After fasting during the day, people typically offer an evening prayer, which is usually followed by a meal called ifṭār. Many people start this meal with dates along with sweetened milk or water. Below are some Ramadan traditions that people may follow in various countries around the world.
Morocco
In Morocco, the day often begins with the sound of drummers called Nafars. Their role is to wake up the community for the suhoor meal. The Nafars typically dress in a gandora and wear slippers as they walk through the neighborhood and sing prayers.
Egypt
In Egypt, one of the common customs is the use of a fanous, which is a colorful Ramadan lantern. Made of metal and glass, these lanterns typically light up homes and entire neighborhoods.
Iraq
During Ramadan in Iraq, one common tradition is to play a game called Mheibes. This game is often played by men after people break their fast at dusk. In a typical rendition of the game, there are two groups, each consisting of 40 to as many as 250 players. Each group has a leader who secretly gives a ring to one member of his team, and the other team must guess who has the ring.
Turkey
In Turkey, a normal day during Ramadan also tends to begin with drummers who roam the neighborhood to wake people up for the suhoor meal. Some tip the drummers and invite them into their homes to have the suhoor together.
Lebanon
In Lebanon, people often follow a tradition called Midfa al Iftar. During this practice, cannons are fired to mark the end of the fasting at sunset. Although many believe the tradition began in Egypt, it continues to be an important part of Ramadan in Lebanon today.
Saudia Arabia
In Saudia Arabia, restaurants typically offer special iftar meals and then suhoor before fasting during the day. The streets typically have colorful lights, and people often place fabrics with verses from the Quran and Ramadan greetings on their doors.
Therapy during Ramadan
For many people, Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and meaningful time with family. However, some people may have to spend Ramadan away from loved ones for reasons beyond their control. This loneliness or other factors can potentially lead to challenging emotions or a sense of isolation. Speaking to a therapist may be helpful for these individuals, especially if they can speak to that therapist from home. A therapist may be able to help people navigate the difficulty of being away from family and trying to honor their specific Ramadan traditions.
Not being able to find a counselor with a cultural understanding of Ramadan can be a barrier to therapy for some people. In these cases, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may be beneficial. With an online therapy platform, individuals can find a larger pool of therapists than they can in their local community, which may make it easier to find a professional who understands Ramadan and its significance. With online therapy, people who observe Ramadan can connect with a therapist from home at a time that suits their schedule during this unique time of year.
Over the last 10 years, many studies have demonstrated online therapy to be effective for a number of mental health conditions. One study found that online therapy was effective for anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder, among other disorders. Adjustment disorder may be common among people who move to another country with major cultural differences.
Takeaway
What is Eid Al-Fitr?
Eid Al-Fitr is the Muslim festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan's fasting. It occurs during the first three days of the 10th month, or Shawwāl, of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Can you drink water during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, most people abstain from both food and beverages, including water, from sunrise to sunset. However, some people may follow different traditions during this month. People typically engage in reflection, aim to avoid impure thoughts, and engage in healthy habits of thought and deed.
What is Ramadan Kareem?
Ramadan Kareem is a greeting that people in many Muslim communities use during Ramadan. Another common greeting is Ramadan Mubarak. These greetings can be translated as “Have a generous Ramadan” or “Have a blessed Ramadan.”
What are some verses about Ramadan in the Quran?
The following are some verses about Ramadan:
- “[Fasting has been prescribed for you during] the certain number of days, but if some of you are sick or on a journey, [you should fast] the same number during other days. And those who are not able to fast should feed a poor person as an atonement, and whoever volunteers more [and feeds more than one poor person], it is better for him. Fasting is better for you if you know.” -Verse 184 of Surah Baqarah
- “It is the month of Ramaḍān when the Qur’ān was sent down. [The Qur’ān] is a guidance for people, clear proof of guidance and a criterion [for mankind and jinn], and whoever remains present in the month of Ramaḍān, he should fast, and whoever is sick or on a journey, [he should fast] the same number on other days. God desires easiness, not hardship, for you and in order that you may complete the number of days [of fasting in Ramaḍān], and mention the greatness of God for he guided you, and that you may give thanks.” -Verse 185 of Surah Baqarah
- “Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allaah says…The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees, there is peace until the appearance of dawn.” -Al-Qadar 97:1-5
What should you not do during Ramadan?
Individuals may observe this holy month in different ways, but many people abstain from the following:
- Sexual activity
- Food and drink from dawn to sunset
- Smoking
- Substance use
- Cursing
- Tasting food
- Kissing
Can I eat at 7 pm during Ramadan?
According to the rules of Ramadan, you can eat after sunset. If the sun has not set at 7 pm, you wouldn’t be allowed to eat per these rules. However, there may be an exception for people who are ill, pregnant, or otherwise cannot fast for a valid reason. You do not have to partake in Ramadan if you do not want to celebrate this holy month.
What is Ramadan, and why is it celebrated?
Ramadan is a holy month on the Islamic calendar. Many Muslims follow this calendar based on moon phases, like the crescent moon. Some Muslims fast every day of Ramadan during a prescribed period of fasting hours during the daylight hours until sundown. Some people also participate in daily prayers during the day and nightly prayers at night as a spiritual reflection on the meaning of the holy month. A nightly prayer can offer thankfulness for health, family, and other positive aspects of life. Some people may not be required to fast during the day, such as pregnant or nursing women or those with an illness or disability that requires more nutrition.
Do you still eat during Ramadan?
You can still eat during Ramadan. However, the rules for the holiday include fasting from sunrise to sunset. When the sun sets, people often have a meal. They may also have a meal before sunrise, early in the morning. Some people can eat during Ramadan, such as pregnant and nursing women or those with a medical necessity.
Can you shower on Ramadan?
Yes, Muslims can shower on Ramadan. However, you may be advised not to swallow water while showering, which could be considered breaking the fast. Talk to a spiritual leader to explore the rules of Ramadan more.
What do Muslims do during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, pray, recite the Quran, give charity, and spend time with family. People may have different traditions on this holiday, and some may observe Ramadan more intensely than others.
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