Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered the holiest month of the year for the 1.9 billion Muslims around the world. Muslims believe that this was the month when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This is primarily known through the verse that explicitly states, “Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran,” [2:185]. The month lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon sighting. 

During this month, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, marital relations, and sin. They are also extra mindful of their behavior – Muslims try to avoid strong emotions of anger, jealousy, lust, and more. Fasting allows Muslims to focus on their spiritual needs, rather than their physical needs, and encourages them to reflect on their actions, intentions, and priorities. 

Before Muslims fast, they enjoy a pre-dawn meal known as suhoor, that needs to be completed before the Fajr prayer athan (call to prayer). Traditionally, families gather for suhoor to consume hydrating, nutritious foods such as dates, yogurt, and fruits. In many Muslim-majority countries, there is a custom of having a mesaharaty, a person who roams the streets with a drum to awaken Muslims sleepers. Other customs include firing cannons to signal the start of the meal time and having a Nafar, a town crier who wears traditional clothing and blows a horn to wake up sleepers.  

The majority of Muslims break their fast at Maghrib, the fourth mandatory Islamic prayer immediately after sunset and before the twilight fades. It’s common for Muslims to break their fasts together, whether that be at a local mosque, a community center, or at a loved one’s home. This dinner, referred to as iftar, starts off with the sunnah of breaking the fast with a date, and typically contains fried appetizers like samosas and pakoras, and main dishes of rice with meat such as biryani and maqluba. 

After breaking their fasts, many Muslims typically head to the masjid for nightly prayers known as taraweeh. For many Muslims, taraweeh is a special congregational prayer performed by Muslims every night during the month of Ramadan. The prayers, typically 8-20 *rakat, are held after the mandatory ‘Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended and holds great spiritual reward for many Muslims. The primary goal of the prayer is to engage in extra worship, seek forgiveness, and connect more deeply with the Qur’an. 

In the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Muslims engage in intensified worship and spiritual devotion. Muslims focus on these nights to seek Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power or Night of Glory), which is believed to be the night the Qur’an was first revealed and is better than a thousand months of worship. This comes from the Qur’anic verse, “The Night of Glory is better than a thousand years” (97:3). The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not known; it is believed to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights, such as the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night. Many Muslims believe that the 27th night is the most likely date for Laylat al-Qadr, though it is highly encouraged to treat every night of the final ten as if it were the Night of Glory to maximize spiritual rewards. According to Islamic belief, worship and good deeds performed on this night are multiplied as if the doer is performing this worship for a thousand months. Extra activities during these last 10 nights include: extra prayers, reciting the Qur’an, seeking forgiveness through prayer, and charity.

*A rakat is a single, complete unit of Islamic prayer, consisting of a specific sequence of actions and recitations, including standing, reciting verses from the Qur’an, bowing, and two prostrations.

Zakat al-Fitr

At the end of Ramadan, all Muslims are required to pay Zakat al-Fitr, a small, fixed amount per person, accounting for children and infants, before Eid al-Fitr prayer to feed the poor and purify the faster. The calculation is based on four madd (cupped hands) of staple food (approximately 6lbs) such as rice or wheat, or its monetary value. The intended recipients are those in need, to allow them to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. The payment is often made to Islamic charities or mosques to ensure it reaches those in need before the Eid prayer.

Zakat al-Fitr is $10 per person in 2026 on guidance from the Fiqh Council of North America.

Eid al-Fitr

To mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr.  Before the three-day celebration, Muslims are required to pay their Zakat al-Fitr. Once they have completed their Zakat, Muslims attend a communal prayer, known as Salat al-Eid (Eid Prayer). Muslims attend this prayer after showering, and typically wear new clothing (or their best clothing if need be). During the celebration, Muslims decorate their homes, visit friends and family, give charity, and pass out Eid gifts to friends and family.

Fidya / Kaffara

How Does IRUSA Participate in Ramadan?

At Islamic Relief USA,  we prioritize making food accessible to families in need all throughout the year, including Ramadan. Ramadan Food Packages can extend the food supplies for a family of seven for the entire 30 days of Ramadan, and include staple items that are sensitive to the local diet like oil, sugar, lentils, rice, canned fish, dates, tea, and more. 

In 2025 alone, IRUSA provided food aid to over 1.1 million people through hot meals, Food Packages, and food vouchers.

DONATION POLICY: If you have made an error in making your donation to Islamic Relief USA, we will honor your request for a refund within 30 days of your donation. To request a refund, call 1-855-447-1001. Refunds are issued using the original method of payment. Please also note: Islamic Relief USA is committed to providing aid in the country or program that you select. In the event we complete the program, exceed the required funds, or are denied access to a particular country for reasons beyond our control, Islamic Relief USA reserves the right to reallocate your donation to another program where it is needed most.

Ramadan Resources

Get Ramadan Ready

✨ Rewatch IRUSA’s Past Ramadan Reflections YouTube series ✨