The Complete Ramadan Guide
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the setting for the Fourth Pillar of Islam: fasting (Sawm) from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). Beyond abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is a month of heightened prayer, Quran recitation, charity, and community — anchored by Taraweeh night prayers and, in its final ten nights, the search for Laylat al-Qadr.
- Fourth Pillar: Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory on eligible adult Muslims.
- Night Prayer: Taraweeh is prayed nightly, commonly in congregation at the mosque.
- The Best Night: Laylat al-Qadr falls in the last ten nights, most likely an odd-numbered one.
- Distinct Giving: Zakat al-Fitr is a separate, per-person obligation due before Eid prayer.
- Built-In Mercy: Travel, illness, pregnancy, and old age all carry recognized exemptions.
How do I prepare for Ramadan?
Set intentions, Quran goals, and a sleep and meal-planning routine before the month begins. See our full checklist below.
What should I eat for suhoor?
Favor slow-digesting, protein- and fiber-rich foods with plenty of water to sustain energy through the fasting day.
How many rakats is Taraweeh?
Common practice ranges from 8 to 20 rakats depending on regional and scholarly tradition — both are valid.
How much is Zakat al-Fitr?
Typically valued as roughly one Sa' (about 2-3kg) of staple food, or its cash equivalent, per person in the household.
Do I have to fast if I'm traveling or ill?
No — travel, illness, pregnancy, and old age all carry recognized exemptions, with make-up days or Fidya depending on the situation.
Getting Ready for Ramadan
Ramadan Preparation Checklist
Spiritual, physical, and household prep — intentions, Quran goals, meal planning, and sleep adjustment before the month begins.
READ THE CHECKLIST →Suhoor & Iftar Guide
Timing rules, the sunnah of delaying suhoor and hastening iftar, what to eat, the breaking-fast dua, and common mistakes.
READ THE GUIDE →Travel & Illness Rules
Who is exempt from fasting — travel, illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and old age — plus Qada vs. Fidya explained.
READ THE RULES →Worship & The Sacred Nights
Taraweeh Prayer Explained
What Taraweeh is, the 8 vs. 20 rakat traditions explained neutrally, and how it's prayed at the mosque or at home.
READ THE GUIDE →Laylat al-Qadr Explained
What the Night of Decree is, why it matters, the last-ten-nights tradition, signs, and its specific dua.
READ THE GUIDE →Salah Foundations
New to prayer, or want a refresher on the five daily prayers before adding Taraweeh to your routine?
VISIT THE PRAYER HUB →Giving in Ramadan
Zakat al-Fitr Explained
The small, per-person obligation due before Eid prayer — who pays, how much, and when. Clearly distinguished from annual Zakat.
READ THE GUIDE →Zakat Authority Hub
Looking for the wealth-based, 2.5% annual Zakat instead? Calculate your Nisab and obligation in our Zakat hub.
VISIT THE ZAKAT HUB →Family, Work & Everyday Life
Ramadan for Families & Kids
Introducing fasting gradually, keeping children engaged, and balancing school schedules with fasting.
READ THE GUIDE →Ramadan While Working Full-Time
Balancing shifts, meetings, and energy levels with fasting and prayer obligations at work.
READ THE GUIDE →First Ramadan as a Revert
A compassionate walkthrough for anyone approaching their first Ramadan as a new Muslim.
READ THE GUIDE →Plan Your Ramadan
Practical tools to help you balance work, prayer, and fasting throughout the month.