Ramadan is the holiest and most important month for Muslims all over the world. Muslims believe that the gates of heaven are open and the gates of hell are closed during this month. It is a time for them to get closer to God. During the festival, adult Muslims practice fasting during daylight hours.
Read on to find out more about Ramanda: traditions, fasting rules, things that are forbidden, and why the event is celebrated.
How Long is Ramadan?
Ramadan is expected to last for 29 or 30 days. In 2025, Ramadan is likely to start on the evening of March 10 and end on the evening of April 9.
During this sacred month, Muslims have to endure a month's fasting from dawn to sunset each day. Even drinking water is not allowed. As well as fasting, they need to observe other rules, such as avoiding intimate relationships.
The Last 10 Days of Ramadan/Laylat al-Qadr
The Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr) is the holiest and most blessed night of the year.
Muslims believe that during the Laylat al-Quadr, Allah forgives the sins of the devout. Therefore, they try to stay awake for the whole night to pray and study the Quran to seek forgiveness and blessings.
Laylat al-Qadr generally happens during the last 10 days of Ramadan and is generally believed to occur on an odd-numbered night
Ramadan Fasting - Hours and Rules
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims have to fast during the daytime for one month. They can not eat anything even drinking water is not allowed.
Does Every Muslim Have to Fast?
Not every Muslim must fast. Young children, expecting and breastfeeding mothers, women who are menstruating, the elderly, and those who are traveling or severely ill don't have to fast.
Do Foreigners in the Islamic Countries Need to Fast?
Non-Muslims visiting an Islamic country are not required to fast, but they are expected to not eat and drink in public places to show their respect. You can eat and drink in your hotels or restaurants. Restaurants often offer special areas where travelers can eat.
How Long Does Ramadan Fasting Last?
Muslims are required to fast from dawn to sunset. Generally, fasting usually lasts from 9 to 15 hours in most Muslim countries, such as those in the Middle East (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc.), Indonesia, and Pakistan.
The length of daily fasts during Ramadan depends on where you live and when the sun rises and sets.
Which Countries Have the Longest Fasting Hours?
Iceland will have the longest fasting time of about 20–22 hours during Ramadan. Finland, Norway, and Sweden will also have very long fasting hours of about 18–20 hours.
Indonesia will have the shortest fasting period of about 11 hours. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia will also have a shorter fasting period of about 12–13 hours.
What Muslims Cannot Do During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a time to focus on spiritual growth, devotion, and worship. Any worldly activities that would take a Muslim's heart away from the worship of Allah should be avoided. The following activities should be avoided during the Ramadan month.
- Eating and drinking in daylight: Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink anything from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). This includes water, coffee and other beverages, food, and even chewing gum.
- Smoking: Smoking is not allowed during Ramadan as it breaks the fast and is considered to be against the spirit of self-control and purification.
- Sexual intimacy: Married couples are encouraged to abstain from sexual activities during the daylight hours. However, sexual intimacy is permitted after breaking the fast in the evening.
- Foul language and bad behavior: Muslims should maintain good behavior, avoid foul language, and refrain from engaging in arguments or negative behavior.
- Gossiping and backbiting: Engaging in gossip or speaking negatively about others is not in line with the spirit of Ramadan. Therefore, Muslims should avoid doing this.
Traditions: How to Celebrate Ramadan Traditionally
1. Fasting
Muslim Ramadan iftar family dinnerThe main tradition that sets Ramadan apart in Egypt and across the Islamic world, is that fasting during Ramadan is one of the main pillars of Islam. During this month, Muslims fast from sunset to sunrise, meaning they do not eat or drink anything (yes, this includes water) during daylight hours. Instead, a meal is eaten after sunset (which is called iftar), and another just before sunrise (suhoor).
Iftar in particular is a big family event, with everyone gathering together to break the fast with a huge feast that often starts with dates, apricots, and water or sweetened milk.
Exemptions from fasting include those who are traveling, menstruating, or severely ill, pregnant or nursing women, and young children. However, some Muslims in these circumstances still choose to fast. Non-Muslim visitors are also not required to fast. While most of the population fasts, there are some exceptions including Egyptians who are not Muslims, but also young children, the elderly, those who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing women, and travelers to Egypt.
2. Reading the Quran
Other traditions during Ramadan include reading the Quran at least once during this month because the relationship with God (Allah) is an important part of this holy month. Muslims will also pray five times a day during Ramadan, if not more, in order to focus on their spirituality. If you are in Egypt during this time you will notice that it is a little bit busier at the mosques during Ramadan.
3. Exchanging Gifts
Gifts are also exchanged between families, particularly gifts like colorful wooden trays and leather-bound Qurans, and families are also encouraged to take part in charity, which is a huge part of the Muslim faith but especially so during Ramadan. During Ramadan, you'll see a lot of families donating to charities, or helping out their community in any way that is necessary.
4. Traditional Foods
Fatteh - Pita with Chickpeas and Yogurt of southern Levantine dishes Traditional foods such as Egyptian fattah are also eaten during Ramadan. Fattah is a dish made with bread, rice, tomato sauce, and meat. You will also see fragrant yellow rice, Egyptian meat pies, kofta (meatball/meatloaf), and tamarind compote, frequently believed to be thirst quenching.
Suggested reading: 12 of the Best Egyptian Foods and Dishes You Have to Try
5. Giving Up Bad Habits
Other traditions during Ramadan include giving up bad habits. These can range from gossiping, lying and fighting with family, to giving up smoking during the holy month.
How Do You Wish Someone a Happy Ramadan?
You can wish someone a happy Ramadan by saying: "Ramadan Mubarak", which means "Happy Ramadan", or "Ramadan Kareem", which in Arabic translates into "Have a generous Ramadan". Find more popular ways to wish a Happy Ramadan
The End of Ramadan - Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the official end of Ramadan and roughly translates to the festival of breaking the fast. Lasting approximately three days, during this time Egyptians will spend time with their families, going to the mosque for mass prayers, or heading out to public parks and gardens with picnics. This is also one of Egypt's public holidays, with the whole population getting two days off to celebrate.
These are the dates for Eid al-Fitr in the next few years:
- In 2024, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated from the evening of Thursday, April 11th to the evening of Friday, April 12th.
- In 2025, Eid al-Fitr will be held between late on Sunday, March 30th until the evening of Monday, March 31st.
- In 2026, Eid al-Fitr will be held from the evening of Sunday, March 22nd to the evening of Monday, March 23rd.
Some of the most popular destinations in Cairo for Eid al-Fitr include the Giza Zoo, and the Fustat Garden, the largest man-made park that you can find in Cairo, but you'll see families at all parks throughout the country.
Why Ramadan is Celebrated
Happy young Muslim boy playing with Ramadan lanternThe reason that Ramadan is celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is that this is the month in which the Quran is believed to have been revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad by the Holy Spirit a.k.a. the angel Gabriel.
During this month, the Quran was believed to have been sent down to the lowest heaven, being prepared for gradual revelation. Muhammad told his followers that the gates of heaven would be open for this entire month, and the gates of hell closed.
Muslims throughout the world believe that fasting during Ramadan gives everybody the opportunity to experience hunger, bringing the social classes closer together. It is widely believed to bring populations of different social classes closer together, and for people to be more compassionate towards those who are less fortunate than they are.
It is also an opportunity to renew your focus on your faith and bring its application in your day-to-day life back into focus through self-control, sacrifice and self-discipline.
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