The Fifth Pillar
A month of fasting, reflection and generosity
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and the month in which Muslims observe Sawm — fasting from dawn to sunset. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, obligatory on every adult Muslim who is physically able.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan moves roughly eleven days earlier each Gregorian year, so it is sometimes observed in the height of summer and sometimes in the depths of winter. What stays constant is the shape of the day: a pre-dawn meal, a fast held until sunset, and a shared meal to break it.
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous.Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183
Five practices, one month
More than just fasting
Ramadan is remembered for the fast, but the month is built from five interlocking practices.
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Fasting (Sawm)
No food, drink, or other physical needs from the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) until sunset (Iftar) — a discipline of self-restraint, not just abstinence.
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Prayer (Salah & Taraweeh)
The five daily prayers continue as normal, joined each night by Taraweeh — extended congregational prayers unique to Ramadan.
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The Qur'an
Ramadan marks the month the Qur'an was first revealed. Many Muslims aim to read the entire Qur'an over the course of the month.
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Charity (Zakat & Sadaqah)
Rewards for charity are believed to be multiplied in Ramadan, and many Muslims choose to pay their annual Zakat during the month.
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Community
Iftar is rarely eaten alone — mosques, families and neighbours share the meal that breaks the fast each evening.
Ramadan by the numbers
A month that reshapes a billion lives
- 0 Days of fasting, dawn to sunset
- 0 Muslims observing Ramadan worldwide
- 0 Daily prayers, joined nightly by Taraweeh
- 0 Night — Laylatul Qadr — better than 1,000 months
A day in Ramadan
The rhythm of a Ramadan day
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Suhoor
A meal eaten before dawn, before the Fajr prayer, to sustain the fast ahead.
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Fajr — the fast begins
With the dawn prayer, the fast begins: no food, drink or other physical needs until sunset.
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A day of restraint
Work and daily life continue; the fast is paired with extra care over speech, patience and charity.
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Iftar
The fast is broken at sunset, traditionally with dates and water, then a shared meal.
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Taraweeh
Extended night prayers at the mosque, often completing a portion of the Qur'an each night.
Give your Zakat this Ramadan
Many Muslims choose Ramadan to calculate and pay their annual Zakat. Our calculator walks you through it in a few minutes, using today's gold and silver prices.
FAQ
Common questions about Ramadan
When does Ramadan start?
Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, so the exact date shifts by a day or two depending on lunar observation and moves roughly eleven days earlier each Gregorian year.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Children, the elderly, the ill, those who are travelling, and pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating women are exempt, though some may make up missed days later or provide Fidyah (a form of compensation) instead.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
A small, obligatory charitable donation given by every Muslim before the Eid al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of Ramadan, ensuring those in need can also celebrate Eid.
What is Laylatul Qadr?
The "Night of Decree" — the night the Qur'an was first revealed, described as better than a thousand months. It is sought among the odd nights of Ramadan's last ten days.
This Ramadan
Multiply your reward
HCI runs dedicated Ramadan campaigns each year — Iftar meals, food parcels and Zakat-eligible relief for families who need it most before Eid.
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