Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic lunar calendar — a time when Muslims worldwide step into a routine of fasting, prayer, repentance, charity, and spiritual discipline. From dawn to sunset, believers detach from worldly desires and turn their hearts toward Allah. Beyond hunger and thirst, Ramadan trains patience, strengthens character, and revives the soul.

This complete, SEO-optimized guide explains everything about Ramadan: its meaning, significance, fasting rules, duas, Sehri and Iftar timings, Ramadan 2025 and 2026 dates, Laylatul Qadr, benefits, and frequently asked questions — making it the ultimate resource for new learners and practicing Muslims alike.

What Is Ramadan? Meaning & Importance

Ramadan marks the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, bringing guidance, mercy, and clarity to humanity.

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for guidance and the criterion.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Meaning of the Word “Ramadan”

The name comes from the Arabic root “ramida”, meaning intense heat — symbolizing the burning away of sins and purifying the soul through devotion.

Why Ramadan Is Spiritually Important

• It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam

• Fasting (Sawm) is obligatory for eligible Muslims

• Good deeds are multiplied

• Strengthens faith, taqwa, self-control, and discipline

• Connects believers deeply with the Quran

Ramadan isn’t just a month — it’s a heart reset.

Why Muslims Fast During Ramadan

Fasting is an act of obedience, patience, and gratitude. Allah says:

“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Fasting teaches:

• Discipline

• Empathy for the poor

• Spiritual focus

• Gratitude for blessings

Rules of Fasting in Ramadan

Fasting begins at Fajr (dawn) and ends at Maghrib (sunset).

Who Must Fast

Adults who are:

• Muslim

• Sane

• Physically capable

Who Is Exempt

• The sick

• Travelers

• Elderly

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Those with medical conditions

Missed fasts are made up later, or fidya may be paid when fasting is permanently not possible.

What Breaks the Fast

These actions break the fast:

• Eating or drinking intentionally

• Smoking

• Intentional vomiting

• Marital relations during fasting hours

These do NOT break the fast:

• Eating/drinking by mistake

• Brushing teeth (without swallowing)

• Taking a shower

• Accidental vomiting

Sehri & Iftar: Daily Ramadan Timings

Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, so each year the dates shift by 10–11 days.

Sehri (Pre-Dawn Meal)

A blessed meal consumed before Fajr. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Eat Sehri, for in Sehri there is blessing.”
(Bukhari)

Iftar (Breaking the Fast)

Traditionally done with dates and water, following the Sunnah.

“The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)

Timings differ by country — always follow your local Ramadan timetable.

Ramadan 2025 & Ramadan 2026 Dates

Ramadan 2025 (Completed)

• Began: Evening of Friday, 28 February 2025

• First Fast: Saturday, 1 March 2025

• Eid al-Fitr: Late March 2025 (varies by moon sighting)

Ramadan 2026 (Upcoming)

• Expected Beginning: Evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026

• First Fast: Wednesday, 18 February 2026

• Eid al-Fitr: Around 20 March 2026

Important:

All dates depend on local moon sighting and announcements by Islamic authorities.

Essential Duas for Ramadan

Dua for Beginning the Fast

Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ

Translation:
“O Allah, I fast for You.”

Dua for Iftar (Breaking Fast)

Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَىٰ رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

Translation:
“O Allah, I fasted for You, believed in You, trusted You, and with Your sustenance I break my fast.”

General Duas to Recite in Ramadan

• Dua for forgiveness

• Dua for guidance

• Dua for protection from Hellfire

• Dua for acceptance of prayers

Laylatul Qadr — The Night of Power

Laylatul Qadr is the holiest night of the year, better than 1,000 months.

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)

When Is Laylatul Qadr?

During the last ten nights, most likely in the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th).

Best Dua for Laylatul Qadr

Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Translation:
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”

Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan

Spiritual Benefits

• Strengthens faith

• Builds taqwa

• Encourages self-reflection

• Inspires repentance

Physical Benefits

• Better eating habits

• Improved metabolism

• Natural detoxification

Social Benefits

• Empathy for the needy

• Increased charity (Zakat & Sadaqah)

• Stronger community bonds

Learn Quran Properly During Ramadan — Online Classes for All Ages

Ramadan is the month of the Quran — a perfect time to begin or strengthen your recitation and understanding.

Fazaile Quran Online And U Quran Tutors

offer structured, interactive, and student-friendly online Quran learning programs.

Courses Include:

• Quran Reading with Tajweed

• Quran Memorization (Hifz)

• Tajweed Rules for Beginners & Advanced Students

• Islamic Studies for Kids & Adults

• 1-on-1 Live Classes With Qualified Teachers

• Flexible Timings for All Countries

These platforms provide a supportive learning environment for children, adults, and beginners who want to build a strong connection with the Quran — especially in Ramadan.

If you want your children or yourself to learn the Quran the right way, with proper Tajweed and understanding, Fazaile Quran Online and U Quran Tutors are reliable and trusted options.

Final Note

May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan with faith, accept our fasting, prayers, and duas, and grant us the ability to follow the guidance of the Quran.
Ameen.

Ramadan is not just a ritual — it’s a journey of the heart, a spiritual detox, and a chance to restart life with purity and purpose. May this Ramadan bring light, mercy, and blessings to every home