Ramadan & Eid

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month the Quran was first revealed. Muslims fast every day of it, from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib).

How fasting works

• From Fajr to Maghrib, do not eat, drink (including water) or have sexual relations.
• Eat suhoor, a pre-dawn meal, before Fajr. It is a blessed practice.
• Break your fast at sunset with iftar, traditionally with dates and water.
• Eating or drinking by accident, out of forgetfulness, does not break the fast.
• Fasting is also about guarding the tongue, being patient and giving more.

Who does not have to fast

• People who are ill or travelling may skip fasting and make up the days later.
• Women who are menstruating or have post-natal bleeding do not fast, and make up the days later.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women who fear for themselves or the baby may skip fasting. Scholars differ on whether they make up the days, pay fidya or both.
• Elderly or chronically ill people who cannot fast feed a poor person for each day instead (fidya).

“Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.”

Quran 2:185

Eid

• Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Before the Eid prayer, give Zakat al-Fitr for each member of the household: a set measure (a ṣāʿ, about 2.5–3 kg) of a staple food such as rice or dates, or, where local scholars allow, its value in money. Your mosque will usually announce the amount.
• Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, during Hajj. Those who can afford it sacrifice an animal and share the meat with family, friends and the poor.
• On both days: take a ghusl, wear your best clothes, attend the Eid prayer in the morning and celebrate with family and friends.