The Holy Month of Ramadan

Fasting (Sawm) in Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. Beyond abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset, it is a spiritual detoxification of the soul, cultivating Taqwa (God-consciousness), restraint from foul speech and anger, and empathy for the hungry and less fortunate.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and hope of reward, his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Taraweeh is the special Sunnah night prayer performed in congregation after Isha during Ramadan.

• Number of Rak'ahs: It is prayed in units of two rak'ahs. Different traditions pray 8 or 20 rak'ahs followed by Witr prayer. Both are authentically established in Islamic tradition.
• Virtue: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Laylatul Qadr occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th). Worship on this single night is better than a thousand months of worship (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3).

Muslims intensify their worship in the last 10 nights through I'tikaf (seclusion in the mosque), reciting the Holy Quran, Tahajjud prayers, and repeating the beloved supplication taught by the Prophet ﷺ to Aisha (ra): "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni."

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity upon every Muslim (head of household pays for themselves and dependents) before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.

• Purpose: To purify the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and to ensure the poor have festive food on Eid day.
• Amount: One Sa' (approximately 2.5–3 kg) of staple food (wheat, rice, dates, flour) or its monetary equivalent as determined by local councils (typically $10–$15 per person).
• Deadline: Must be distributed before the Eid prayer; giving it afterwards counts merely as regular charity.