Ramadan Timings

What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest month of the year. It was in Ramadan that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people." (2:185). Every adult Muslim who is physically able is obligated to fast the entire month from the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) through to after sunset (iftar), abstaining from all food, drink, and marital relations during daylight hours. Ramadan ends with the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Suhoor and Iftar — Prophetic Etiquette

Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the Fajr prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasised it strongly: "Take the suhoor meal, for in suhoor there is blessing." (Bukhari and Muslim). Even a sip of water counts — the act itself is a Sunnah. The recommended time to eat suhoor is as close to the Fajr adhan as possible. Iftar — breaking the fast at sunset — should be done promptly; the Prophet said: "My Ummah will remain in goodness as long as they hasten in breaking the fast." The traditional iftar begins with dates and water, following the Prophet's practice, before the Maghrib prayer and a larger meal.

The Spiritual Goals of Ramadan

The Quran identifies taqwa (God-consciousness, mindfulness of Allah) as the primary purpose of Ramadan fasting: "O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa." (2:183). Beyond the physical abstinence, Ramadan is a training ground for the soul: guarding the tongue from backbiting and harsh speech, increasing Quran recitation, giving generously in charity, performing the nightly Tarawih prayers, and intensifying supplication. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described Ramadan as a month whose beginning is mercy, middle is forgiveness, and end is freedom from the Fire.

Laylat al-Qadr — The Night of Power

Hidden within the last ten nights of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which the Quran describes as "better than a thousand months" (97:3) — meaning worship on this single night outweighs over 83 years of continuous worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to seek it in the odd nights of the last ten: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th. The recommended supplication for this night, taught by the Prophet, is: "Allahumma innaka Afuwwun tuhibbu al-afwa fa'fu anni" — O Allah, You are Pardoning, You love pardon, so pardon me. Many Muslims perform I'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) during the last ten nights to maximise their chances of catching this blessed night.