The Blessed Month
Ramadan in Islam
A month of fasting, prayer, Quranic reflection, community, and drawing closer to God. Learn about Ramadan from an Ahmadiyya Muslim perspective.
The Ninth Month
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar, observed worldwide as the holiest month in Islam. It is the month in which God revealed the Holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — an event that transformed human history.
“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination.”— Holy Quran, 2:186
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from the pre-dawn meal (Sehri or Suhoor) until sunset (Maghrib). The fast is broken each evening with Iftar — traditionally with dates and water, followed by the Maghrib prayer and a meal.
Ramadan is not merely about physical abstinence. The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, taught that the true purpose of Ramadan is the spiritual transformation of the soul — controlling desires, increasing God-consciousness (taqwa), and purifying the heart.
Worship & Practice
The Practices of Ramadan
Ramadan encompasses a complete programme of physical, spiritual, and communal devotion.
Sawm (Fasting)
الصَّوْم
Muslims abstain from food, drink, and marital relations from Fajr (dawn) until Maghrib (sunset). Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every able adult Muslim.
Quran Recitation
تِلَاوَة
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. Muslims increase their recitation and study of the Holy Quran throughout the month. Many communities complete the entire Quran in Tarawih prayers.
Sehri (Suhoor)
السَّحور
The pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins each day. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Muslims to eat Suhoor, as there is blessing in it.
Iftar
الإِفْطَار
Breaking the fast at sunset, traditionally beginning with dates and water as the Prophet ﷺ did. Iftar is a time of gratitude, community, and celebration.
Tarawih Prayers
التَّرَاوِيح
Special optional nightly prayers after Isha, featuring extended Quran recitation. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds Tarawih every night of Ramadan.
Tahajjud & I'tikaf
التَّهَجُّد
Voluntary pre-dawn prayers and a period of spiritual retreat (I'tikaf) in the last ten days. This is when believers intensify worship in search of Laylat al-Qadr.
Laylat al-Qadr
The Night of Power
“The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend in it by the permission of their Lord — with every decree. It is peace until the rising of the dawn.”
— Holy Quran, Surah Al-Qadr (97:4–6)
Laylat al-Qadr falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan — most likely on one of the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds special all-night prayer vigils and extended worship during this period.
Ahmadiyya Teachings
Ramadan & Spiritual Transformation
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community places special emphasis on the inner spiritual dimension of Ramadan. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, regularly delivers special addresses during Ramadan guiding the community in deepening their connection with God, increasing their recitation of the Quran, and intensifying their prayers.
The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, wrote:
“The purpose of fasting is not merely to go hungry and thirsty, but to cut off from worldly desires and immerse oneself completely in God. Let this be a month of prayer, remembrance of God, and internal reformation.”
Ahmadi Muslims observe Ramadan with Tarawih prayers, communal Iftar gatherings, special programmes for children and youth, increased Quran study, and all-night vigils during the last ten nights. The month concludes with the joyful celebration of Eid ul-Fitr.
Ramadan Questions
Who is required to fast?
Fasting is obligatory for every adult Muslim who is physically able. Exceptions include illness, travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and old age. Children are encouraged to practice but are not required. The intention of the heart matters as much as the physical act.
What breaks the fast?
Intentionally eating, drinking, smoking, or engaging in marital relations between Fajr and Maghrib breaks the fast. Many scholars also hold that taking injections or IV drips for nutrition breaks the fast, though medication is a matter of scholarly discussion.
Can non-Muslims attend Iftar?
Absolutely. We warmly welcome guests of all faiths to join us for Iftar at Bait-ul-Ehsan Mosque. Contact us to find out when community Iftars are scheduled, or simply check our events page.
What is Eid ul-Fitr?
Eid ul-Fitr is the celebration marking the end of Ramadan on the first day of Shawwal. It begins with a special Eid prayer in the morning, followed by community festivities, gifts, and shared meals. It is a day of gratitude and joy for the completion of the blessed month.
When is Ramadan 2027?
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, shifting approximately 10–11 days earlier each Gregorian year. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around late January 2027. We will publish the full programme schedule closer to the start of the month.
Join Us for Ramadan
When Ramadan approaches, we publish the full programme — Tarawih times, community Iftar dates, and special event nights. Follow us on Facebook or contact us to be notified.