What is Ramadan?

The IFB is blessed to have a network of volunteers, community partners, and donors from diverse backgrounds and religious traditions. We would like to introduce Ramadan to those who may not be familiar with it.

What is Ramadan? Why is it important?

“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may develop God-consciousness.” (Quran 2:183)

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the holiest month of the year. It is a month in which Muslims try to build a closer relationship with God through fasting, prayer, charity, and good works. The Islamic holy book – the Quran – was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr, or the “Feast of the Breaking of the Fast”, is a holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. After communal morning prayers, Muslims celebrate with family, food, and fun activities.

How do Muslims observe Ramadan?

“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most generous of men, and he was most generous during the month of Ramadan.”

A strict fast is kept from before dawn to sunset – Muslims refrain from eating or drinking (even water) when the sun is up. Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline and a way to empathize with those who are less fortunate. Each day begins with suhoor, a small meal eaten before dawn, and ends with iftar, the fast-breaking meal, followed by dinner.

There are many exemptions to fasting, such as illness, disability, old age, and travel. If Muslims cannot fast and are financially able, they must pay Fedyah, a fixed amount of money for each non-fasted day, to those in need.

Apart from fasting, Muslims increase their worship during Ramadan. They may attend nightly prayers at a local mosque, try to read the entirety of the Quran, spend more time in service, and to emulate the example of Prophet Muhammad, give more charity to help others.

How does the Islamic Food Bank observe Ramadan?

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever provides the food for a fasting person to break his fast with, then for him is the same reward as his (the fasting person’s), without anything being diminished from the reward of the fasting person.”

Working with our network of Muslim community partners, the Islamic Food Bank provides Ramadan Food Packages to Muslim and refugee families. Each package consists of two boxes of grocery staples plus fresh chicken. Food items include dates, rice, cooking oil, lentils, tea bags, canned goods, milk, snacks, and breakfast items. Items are purchased via generous donations received before and during Ramadan.

To learn more about what it’s like to celebrate Ramadan, PBS and Unity Productions Foundation created a short video following a young girl and her family through one day. It is perfect for the whole family.