What Is Ramadan?

The month of the Qur’an

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (lunar) calendar and the month in which the revelation of the Qur’an began: “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for the people…” (Qur’an 2:185). Fasting it is the fourth pillar of Islam.

What Muslims actually do

From the entry of Fajr until Maghrib, adult Muslims abstain from food, drink and marital relations. The day is framed by two meals: Suhoor before dawn and Iftar at sunset. Nights are marked by extra prayers, especially Taraweeh, and by reading the Qur’an.

Why it moves each year

The lunar year is about eleven days shorter than the solar year, so Ramadan shifts earlier in the Gregorian calendar annually. In 2027 it is projected to begin on 8 February and to end around 9 March, with Eid al-Fitr on 10 March, subject to the moon sighting.

More than hunger

The purpose is taqwa — God-consciousness (Qur’an 2:183). The Prophet ﷺ warned: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up food and drink” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1903).

Attribution: the rulings summarised here are the positions recorded in the classical schools and the well known hadith collections. They are presented for information, not as a fatwa. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar in your community.

Ramadan is a lunar month, not a fixed season

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because twelve lunar months are shorter than a solar year, Ramadan moves earlier through the Gregorian calendar over time. The month begins and ends according to the calendar/sighting practice followed by the community, which is why a worldwide planning date can differ from an official local announcement.

What makes the month distinctive

The daily fast is one part of Ramadan. The month also concentrates Qur’an recitation, night prayer, charity, repentance and communal worship. The last ten nights receive particular attention because Laylat al-Qadr is sought within them.

Frequently asked questions

When is Ramadan 2027?

Ramadan 1448 AH is projected to begin on 8 February 2027 and to end on or about 9 March 2027, depending on the local sighting of the crescent moon.

Is Ramadan the same everywhere?

The month is the same, but start dates can differ by a day between countries because sighting criteria differ.