Celebrating Ramadan

By Amanda Moses 

The holy month of Ramadan began on February 28^th and will continue until March 29thIt’s one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic faith, marked by fasting, prayer, and introspection. Ramadan represents the month when the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations, which were later complied the Quran. 

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking or participating in anything that may be deemed as unkind or impure. Exceptions are for those who are sick, pregnant, elderly or children. Ramadan is a time of self-restraint, self-awareness and reflection, encouraging participants to practice empathy for the less fortunate and become better individuals.  

Did you know? 

• On the first day of Ramadan, before dawn, the meal eaten is called “Suhoor.” 
• When fasts are broken at dusk, the meals are called “Iftar,” which are usually celebrated with a group of family and friends. 
• The Arabic word for fasting is “Sawm.” 
• Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam: Testimony of Faith (Shahaadah or Kalima), Pray (Salat), Almsgiving (Zakat), Fasting (Sawm), and Pilgrimage (Hajj). 
• The last day of Ramadan is known as Id al-Fitr (or Eid al-Fitr), which means the Feast of Fast-Breaking. This event concludes the celebration and lasts for three days of prayers, elaborate meals, and when gifts are exchanged.   
• The Arabic word for fasting is Sawm. 
• The meal to break the fast at dusk is called Iftar, typically shared with family and friends.
• The meal before dawn on the first day of Ramadan is called Suhoor. 

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which include:  

1. Testimony of Faith (Shahaadah or Kalima) 

2. Prayer (Salat) 

3. Almsgiving (Zakat) 

4. Fasting (Sawm) 

5. Pilgrimage (Hajj) 

• The last day of Ramadan is known as Id al-Fitr (or Eid al-Fitr), meaning the “Feast of Fast-Breaking.” This holiday concludes the month with three days of prayers, elaborate meals, and the exchange of gifts. 

For prayer times in New York see: https://aladhan.com/ramadan-prayer-times/2025/New%20York/NY,%20U