Ramadan Traditions: Faithfully Serving God and Humanity

Ramadan is the most sacred time of year in the Muslim religion and culture. It’s a month-long observance that involves fasting, prayers, abstinence from pleasure and entertainment, performing acts of service, and avoiding sinful behavior. 

As an organization that serves Muslim communities, IMANA honors Ramadan traditions, upholding its principles across our humanitarian initiatives. We believe that understanding the plight of those in need and serving others strengthens our relationship with Allah. This intentionality drives our work, whether we’re providing emergency relief, conducting medical missions, or supporting professional development.

A Time of Blessings

Ramadan is about being aware of Allah’s goodness and imbibing a sense of awe and gratitude. It is an acknowledgment of the blessings He provides and our appropriate response through activities like fasting and abstinence. 

Moved by gratitude and worship, our acts become more than ritualistic practices that dutifully comply with religious requirements. Rather, they are an expression of devotion and commitment to Islamic values and traditions. 

Ramadan Traditions: Upholding the 5 Pillars of Islam

Celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar year, Ramadan’s start and end dates vary based on moon sightings, dictating when we observe its long-held traditions. 

Here are some of the most common Ramadan traditions observed by Muslim populations around the world: 

Profession of Faith (Shahada)

Ramadan is essentially a profession of faith that pays tribute to the revelation of the Quran by angel Jibril (Gabriel) to the prophet Muhammad (PUBH). 

Prayers To Deepen Spiritual Devotion (Salat)

Islamic religion requires Muslims to observe the 5 daily prayers or Salah. During Ramadan, we are encouraged to pray more religiously and faithfully. We pray at dawn (Fajr), at mid-day (Dhur), in the afternoon (Asr), at sunset (Maghrib), and at night (Isha). 

Apart from Salah, Muslims also engage in the following prayers:

• Taraweeh Prayers or Night Prayers in mosques or in private
• Duah or supplication and forgiveness-seeking prayers
• Tahajjud or voluntary night prayers before Suhoor
• Witr or odd-number prayers or rak-ahs (units of prayer) recited before sleeping
• Jumu’ah or Friday prayers accompanied by sermons on virtues and piety

We recite these prayers to deepen our spiritual connection with God as He sustains our spiritual and physical strength. 

Doing Charitable Works (Zakat)

Ramadan encourages Muslims to prioritize service to fellow Muslims, especially among the needy, which is why traditions like Zakat are observed. 

Zakat and Sadaqah, another traditional practice, involve Islamic charitable donations. The difference between them is Sadaqah involves voluntary giving while Zakat is obligatory and has more specific requirements. 

Examples of Sadaqah include donating food and water to the poor, sponsoring orphans, taking care of widows, etc. 

Zakat, on the other hand, entails donating 2.5% of our assets (goods or money) to meet the needs of poor Muslims. All adult Muslims who meet the minimum wealth threshold (nisab) must fulfill their charitable obligation.

Fasting During Daylight (Sawm) 

During Ramadan, healthy Muslims abstain from eating food and drinking any liquid from sunrise to sunset. Muslims with health conditions, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women having their menstrual period, children, and those traveling long distances are exempted. These individuals can make up for their missed fasts later or compensate by donating to charity.

To sustain their energy throughout the day, fasting Muslims can ingest food during Suhoor before the sun rises and before the recitation of the Fajr prayer. This traditional meal is considered a blessing as it allows the body to prepare for fasting before the sun is out. 

Suhoor involves consuming nutrient-dense, fiber-rich, protein-rich, and water-rich foods and drinks. It is vital to eat food that digests slowly so Muslims feel full throughout the day. 

Iftar is another traditional meal that is taken while breaking the fast. It is enjoyed together after the Maghrib prayer when the sun has set. Traditionally, Iftar is a hearty meal that consists of appetizers, a main course, side dishes, dessert, and drinks. 

Pilgrimage (Hajj)

Physically fit Muslims with financial means should go on a pilgrimage to Mecca (Saudi Arabia) at least once in their lives. As they embark on their spiritual journey, Muslims gather around the Ka-ba, a stone structure at the center of the holiest place in Islamic religion—the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. 

Hajji is a deeply important pillar in Islamic faith as it means walking the path of the prophets, drawing closer to God, and seeking forgiveness for sins. 

Going on a pilgrimage is carried out from the 8th to the 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar. However, during Ramadan, it is considered highly virtuous to perform a smaller pilgrimage called Umrah which also entails visiting Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Restrictions During Ramadan

Ramadan is the holiest period in Islam, so a strict set of rules is observed. Here are some of them: 

• Abstain from eating any food, drinks, or chewing gum during fasting.
• Do not overeat during Suhoor or Iftar.
• Abstain from having sexual intercourse during fasting hours (kissing and touching your spouse are allowed).
• Do not miss prayers.
• Fulfill your Zakat obligations.
• Do not wear revealing clothes.
• Do not play loud music.
• Do not speak swear words.
• Do not engage in gossip, lying, backbiting, or fighting.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not smoke.

These are frowned upon and are against the principles of Ramadan. 

IMANA and Ramadan: The Spirit of Service

IMANA honors the spirit of Ramadan by supporting the disadvantaged. Through our integrated programs and network of volunteers, we provide medical care to underserved communities and  emergency relief to those affected by disasters and conflict. 

We invite everyone to join us in making a difference. Our Muslim brothers and sisters can contribute as an act of Sadaqah, upholding the charitable traditions of Ramadan. Non-Muslims are also encouraged to support our mission so that, together, we can serve vulnerable communities in need.

Through collective giving, we can extend the impact of Ramadan traditions and bring hope to those who need it most—during this holy time and beyond.