Q1. What is Ramadan?
A1. Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Q2. Is intention necessary for fasting (sawm or roza)?
A2. Yes, intention (niyyah) is necessary for fasting. Without a sincere intention, the fast is not considered valid.
Q3. What is the pre-dawn meal called (سحور)?
A3. The pre-dawn meal is called “suhoor” in Arabic.
Q4. During what time do Muslims fast in Ramadan?
A4. Muslims fast from dawn until sunset during Ramadan. This period spans from the pre-dawn prayer (Fajr) to the evening prayer (Maghrib).
Q5. Why is Ramadan fasting important in Islam?
A5. Ramadan fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Observing fasting during Ramadan is crucial for a complete practice of Islam and serves as a means of self-purification and spiritual growth.
Q6. What are the recommended prayers (duas) for the first 10, middle 10, and last 10 days of Ramadan?
A6. Specific duas for these periods are not provided in the text.
Q7. How do Muslims typically strive to improve during Ramadan?
A7. Muslims use Ramadan as an opportunity to give up bad habits, increase prayers and worship, read the Qur’an more, and engage in acts of charity and kindness.
Q8. Is it obligatory to complete reading the entire Quran during Ramadan?
A8. While it’s not obligatory, many Muslims aim to complete reading the entire Quran at least once during the month of Ramadan.
Q9. Other than spiritual benefits, what else do Muslims gain from fasting in Ramadan?
A9. Fasting teaches Muslims self-discipline, self-control, empathy for the less fortunate, and a deeper connection with God.
Q10. What are the names of the pre-dawn and sunset meals during Ramadan?
A10. The pre-dawn meal is called “suhoor” and the meal to break the fast after sunset is called “iftaar.”
Q11. How many months are there in the Islamic calendar?
A11. The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months, with Ramadan being the ninth month.
Q12. How many days are there in an Islamic month?
A12. Islamic months can have either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Q13. What makes Ramadan month special for Muslims?
A13. Ramadan is considered a month of blessings and forgiveness. Muslims fast, pray, and engage in worship and good deeds during this time.
Q14. What does fasting (roza or sawm) entail?
A14. Fasting involves refraining from eating, drinking, and certain behaviors from dawn until sunset.
Q15. Is it necessary to eat before beginning the fast?
A15. Yes, Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal called “suhoor” before starting their fast.
Q16. What is “iftaar”?
A16. “Iftaar” is the meal Muslims have to break their fast after sunset.
Q17. Can one eat after iftaar?
A17. Yes, Muslims can eat and drink after iftaar.
Q18. Is intention important for fasting?
A18. Yes, a sincere intention is necessary for fasting to be valid.
Q19. What is the dua (supplication) for iftaar?
A19. The provided dua is: “اللھم انــی لک صمت ۔ وبک آمنت۔ وعلیک توکلت ۔ وعلی رزقک افطرت”
Q20. How can one make the intention for fasting?
A20. Intention for fasting can be made by saying the Arabic words: “وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ”
Q21. What is “Traweeh”?
A21. “Traweeh” is a special night prayer performed after the Isha prayer during Ramadan.
Q22. How many rak’ahs are usually prayed in Traweeh?
A22. Traweeh prayer can consist of at least 8 and up to 20 rak’ahs, prayed in sets of 2 rak’ahs each.
Q23. Is there something specific to be recited between sets of Traweeh rak’ahs?
A23. Yes, a special dua is recited between every 4 rak’ahs of Traweeh prayer.
Q24. What does “Ashra” mean in Ramadan?
A24. “Ashra” refers to a period of 10 days. Ramadan has three Ashras, each carrying a special significance.
Q25. What is the most special night in Ramadan?
A25. The most special night in Ramadan is “Lailatul-Qadr” or the Night of Decree, which is better than a thousand months in terms of blessings.
Q26. What is the special dua for Lailatul-Qadr?
A26. The special dua is: “اللھم انک عفو تحب العفو فاعف عنی”
Q27. What is Eid ul-Fitr?
A27. Eid ul-Fitr is a major celebration at the end of Ramadan, marking the breaking of the fast. It’s a time of gratitude and festivities.
Q28. When does Eid ul-Fitr begin?
A28. Eid ul-Fitr begins when the first sight of the new moon is confirmed.
Q29. How do Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr?
A29. Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr with special prayers, processions, and a celebratory meal during daytime, ending a month of fasting.