25 Fascinating Facts Related To Blessed Ramadan

The Holy month of Ramadan is the 9^th month in the Muslim Hijri calendar. Muslims look eagerly forward to this blessed month to have their sins forgiven and to earn manifold rewards. It is a sacred month during which every adult and pubescent Muslim is required to fast from dawn to dusk.

Eating, drinking, or marital sexual relations are prohibited while fasting. It is considered to be one of the most virtuous acts as Allah said that He would reward the fasting person Himself. Let’s grab the opportunity to learn about the following 25 fascinating facts related to the blessed month.

1.    The word "Ramadan" is derived from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. This is because Ramadan typically takes place during the summer months.

2.        Ramadan is remembered as the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first Quranic revelation. 

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…” (Quran 2:185)

3.        Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The other pillars are Salat (prayer), Shahada (an affirmation that there is no deity besides God and that his Prophet is Muhammad), Zakat (poor-due), and Hajj (performing the annual pilgrimage once in one’s lifetime).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing prayer; paying zakah; fasting Ramadan, and Hajj to the House (the Kabah).” 

4.        All adults are required to fast during Ramadan, except the elderly, ill, traveler, pregnant, nursing, diabetic, chronically ill, or menstruating. They can make up the missed fasts after Ramadan.

5.        Children are not required to fast in Ramadan until they reach puberty.

6.        Before dawn, Muslims eat a pre-fast meal called ‘Suhoor’ (Sehri). At sunset, they break their fast with a meal called ‘Iftar.’

7.        If a married couple has sexual intercourse during Ramadan, they are required to fast continuously for 60 more days or feed 60 poor people after Ramadan is over.

8.        During Ramadan, charities report a higher level of donations. The reward of good deeds is multiplied in this month.

9.        Ramadan is also called the "month of the Quran." Jibrail (a.s.) would typically visit the Prophet (PBUH) during each Ramadan night to hear him recite the Quran.

10.     Muslims generally break their fast with dates or water.

11.     Fasting in Ramadan can release endorphins that improve mental well-being. It can also help detoxify the body.

12.     The Sunnis and Shia break their fasts differently. Sunnis break their fast when the sun is no longer on the horizon, but the sky is still light. The Shia break their fast when the last ray of light disappears.

13.     The Fanous is a well-decorated lantern that is traditionally used during Ramadan in places like Egypt. It has no Islamic significance.

14.     Doctors observe an expansion in instances of weight gain and diabetes owing to overeating after the sunset. This is why it is recommended not to fill the stomach.

15.     Hundreds of fasting Muslims are hospitalized in Ramadan. This is due to fasting-related ailments, such as dyspepsia, weakness, and indigestion.

16.     Many Muslims globally break their fast with the needy, poor, and homeless. The weaker segment of society needs our company and aid.

17.     Muslims are encouraged to increase their recitation of Allah’s Book in this blessed month.

18.     In Muslim countries, the non-fasting Muslim, if exposed publically, is looked down upon by the masses.

19.     Upon finishing the Isha prayer, Muslims offer a special Ramadan prayer known as Taraweeh.

20.     The dua (supplication) made at the time of breaking fast is not rejected.

21.     In the last ten days of Ramadan, several Muslims around the globe sit in ‘Itikaf.’ Itikaf is a retreat to a mosque for ten days to attain the spiritual blessing of Allah.

It was narrated in the hadeeth of Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (PBUH) used to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in Itikaf until he passed away, then his wives observed Itikaf after him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

22.     Allah warns Muslims that He is in no need of their starving themselves if they continue to lie while they are in a state of fasting.

23.     Towards the end of Ramadan, every able Muslim is required to give a charity known as Fitra to the poor and needy.

24.     There is a night in the last ten odd-numbered nights of Ramadan. This night is better than a thousand months because the Quran was revealed in it. 

       “Verily, We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e., worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e., 83 years and four months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrail (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees, (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” (Quran 97:1-5) 

25.     When Ramadan draws to an end, the Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr.