What is Ramdan

Ramadan

1. RAMDAN: Meaning and Celebration

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest period in Islam. Its name comes from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, meaning “scorching heat” symbolising purification. Muslims celebrate Ramadan because it marks the time when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). 

2. Fasting and Spiritual Renewal

During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations. The fast is broken each evening with iftar, beginning with dates and water, while the pre-dawn meal, suhoor, prepares believers for the day ahead. Beyond physical abstinence, Ramadan is a season of spiritual renewal, prayer, charity, and reflection. 

3. Significance of Ramadan 

Its significance lies in strengthening one’s relationship with God, practising patience, and showing compassion. Families and communities gather for prayers and meals, reinforcing bonds, while acts of charity highlight generosity and unity. Ramadan is not only a spiritual journey but also a cultural and social experience that unites people from around the world. 

4. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 
The season culminates in Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”. This joyous celebration begins immediately after Ramadan, marked by communal prayers, feasting, gift-giving, and acts of charity. Families wear new clothes, children receive sweets, and communities come together in gratitude, blending spiritually with vibrant social life. 

5. Qatar During Ramadan 

Ramadan in Qatar blends devotion with cultural vibrancy. Days are quieter with shortened work hours, while evenings come alive with communal iftars, Ramadan tents, and bazaars. The traditional cannon marks sunset, and children celebrate Garangao mid-month with songs and sweets. Hotels and cultural venues host suhoor gatherings, while charity drives and cultural programmes highlight generosity. The season culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a joyful festival of prayer, feasting and community. 

Ultimately, Ramadan is more than fasting; it is a season of faith, reflection, and unity. Its significance lies not only in abstaining from worldly pleasures but in embracing compassion, generosity, and spiritual growth. Eid al-Fitr crowns the month.