What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a very important month for Islamic people.

Islam is a type of religion .

Someone who believes in Islam is called a Muslim. 

Muslims all around the world will celebrate Ramadan. 

Ramadan lasts for one month. 

It is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. 

Ramadan starts at a slightly different time every year, depending on what the moon looks like.

It starts when there is a new moon. 

During Ramadan, Muslims won’t eat or drink during the day. 

This is called fasting. 

People will fast from when the sun comes up in the morning to when it sets at night. 

While fasting Muslims will think about how poor or homeless people feel without food.

Not everyone has to fast during Ramadan. People who don’t have to fast include: 

• Young children

• People who are travelling a long way 

• Pregnant women if they think not eating might hurt their unborn baby

• People who are unwell.

During Ramadan, Muslims can eat before the sun comes up.

This meal is called the Suhoor. 

When the sun goes down at the end of the day, families and friends will get together for a meal called the Iftar. 

They also go to their local mosque to pray with their community . 

A mosque is a place where people who believe in Islam come together for religious events. 

Fasting during Ramadan is one of five important things that Muslims do to show their faith. 

These are called the Five Pillars of Islam. 
 
The other four pillars are: 

• Only believing in the God of Islam who is called Allah 

• Praying at special times every day 

• Giving money to charity or people who are poor and need help 

• Visiting the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once. This is called the pilgrimage.