9 Interesting Facts about Ramadan You Must Know

Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar, it is a time of prayer, fasting, purification of soul, and performing good deeds. This holy month holds special significance among the followers of Islam. Let us explore 9 interesting facts about Ramadan that you should know.

Interesting Facts About Ramadan

Here are the interesting facts about Ramadan that will increase your knowledge of the month of Ramadan.

1. The Fiery Origin of the Word Ramadan

Ramadan is derived from the Arabic verb ramida or ar-ramad, meaning "intense heat that scorches the ground." The month of Ramadan coincides with the hottest time of the year, and spiritually it signifies the heat that washes away the sins of the observer. 

2. It follows the Moon Phase

Islam follows the lunar calendar, and therefore it differs from the solar calendar, which causes the month of Ramadan to move back 10 to 12 days every year.

3. Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power

Muslims believe that the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Mohammad by Jibreel on one night falling in the month of Ramadan, while he was meditating in the Cave of Hira, located on the summit of the Jabal al-Nour or the Mountain of Light. 

This day is believed to fall in the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan, and is considered to be the holiest day in Islam. It is believed that prayer done on this day is better than 1000 months of prayer.

This holy night is known as Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power. 

4. Not everyone is required to fast

While fasting is believed to be the most important part of Ramadan, it is not applicable for some categories of people, such as children, old people, pregnant women, menstruating women, those who are travelling, insane people, and those who are fighting a battle in the name of Allah.

5. The five pillars of Islam

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, also known as Sawm, the other four are Shahada or the declaration of faith, Salah or daily prayer, Zakat, the practice of paying alms to the needy in form of charity every year, and Hajj, which is pilgrimage to Mecca.

6. Suhoor and Iftar

Those who are fasting in the month of Ramadan are allowed to eat one pre-dawn meal known as Suhoor or Sehri. It should be eaten before the morning prayer known as Fajr, and the evening meal known as Iftar, done before Maghrib.

7. Iftar and Dates 

It is believed that Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with dates and water, which provided instant replenishment to the body after fasting for a long time. This is a practice or Sunnah that is followed by every fasting follower of Islam.

8. Ramadan is not only about fasting

The month of Ramadan is not only about fasting, it is about good deeds, self purification. One has to abstain from all the vices during this period, and inculcate the practice of self discipline.

9. Reading the Quran

Since the first verses of the Quran were revealed during the month of Ramadan, many devout Muslims make it a practice to read the complete holy Quran during this period. Special night sessions called Taraweeh are held in mosques where the Imam will recite the 30 Juz of Quran.

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