Ramadan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ramadan رمضان
A crescent moon can be seen over palm trees at Manama, marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan in Bahrain
Observed by	Muslims
Type	Religious
Celebrations	Community iftars and Community prayers
Observances	sawm (fasting) zakat and sadaqah (alms giving) taraweeh prayer (Sunni Muslims) Commemorating Nights of al-Qadr (Shia and Sunni Muslims) reading the Quran abstaining from all bad deeds and staying humble
Begins	At the last night of the month of Sha'ban
Ends	At the last night of the month of Ramadan
Date	Variable (follows the Islamic lunar calendar)
Frequency	every year (lunar calendar)
Related to	Eid al-Fitr, Laylat al-Qadr

Ramadan is a special month in the Islamic calendar. During this time, Muslims around the world fast, meaning they do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.

What is Ramadan?

The start date of Ramadan changes each year. This is because it follows the Islamic calendar, which is based on the moon. Once Ramadan begins, Muslims do not eat or drink. This happens every day from when the sun rises until it sets. This special month usually lasts for 29 or 30 days.

Why Do Muslims Fast?

Fasting during Ramadan teaches Muslims many important lessons. It helps them learn about patience and spiritual growth. It is a time to remember people who do not have enough food. Fasting also helps Muslims to be more obedient and less greedy. During Ramadan, Muslims ask for forgiveness for their mistakes. They also pray for help to stop doing bad things.

Muslims believe that the first verses of the Qur'an were given to the Prophet Muhammad during this month. An angel named Jabrill brought these messages to Earth.

Who Does Not Have to Fast?

Not everyone has to fast during Ramadan.

• Children do not have to fast. They usually start when they reach puberty, if they are healthy.
• People who are traveling long distances do not have to fast.
• Pregnant women can choose not to fast if they think it might harm their baby.
• Sometimes, athletes do not fast, especially during big events like the Olympic Games. This can be a difficult decision for them.

Breaking the Fast: Iftar

When the sun goes down and it gets dark, Muslims break their fast. This meal is called Iftar. Often, families and friends gather to enjoy big meals together. Sometimes, special markets open after Iftar and stay open through the night.

Images for kids

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  Chapter 2, Verse 185 in Arabic.

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  Ramadan beginning dates between Gregorian years 1938 and 2038; including an error on the ante-penultimate line. Note that this table is based on an unspecified variant of the Islamic calendar and that, according to local practices, there can be differences of one (or even two) days.

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  Azim Azimzade. Ramadan of the poor people. 1938

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  Iftar at Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

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  Iftar serving for fasting people in the Imam Reza shrine

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  Men praying during Ramadan at the Shrine of Ali or "Blue Mosque" in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan

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  A mass prayer during the 1996 Ramadan at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem

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  A Kebab seller from Chwakbazar Iftar Market in Old Dhaka. The Chowk Bazaar neighborhood of Old Dhaka is famous for its century-old Iftar Bazar.

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  In Gulf countries, children dress in traditional attire and go door-to-door to receive sweets and nuts from neighbours on the 15th night of Ramadan

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See also

In Spanish: Ramadán para niños