What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. According to Islam, the Quran was first revealed during this month. For Muslims, this period is a time when the fundamental act of worship—fasting—is observed and religious sensitivity is heightened.

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The word "Ramadan" is derived from the Arabic verbal noun ramad, which means "intense heat of the day" or "the sun scorching sand and stones." According to some sources, it is also linked to the word ramadî , meaning "the rain that falls at the end of summer and cleanses the earth of dust." It is generally accepted that the name was given to this month during the reorganization of the lunar calendar due to its association with the season of extreme heat.

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Ramadan is the only month explicitly named in the Quran. According to Islamic belief, the Quran was first revealed during this month.

• Laylat al-Qadr: This blessed night, described in the Quran as being better than a thousand months, occurs within Ramadan.
• Worship Practices: This month is regarded as a time of patience, worship, mercy, and blessing. In addition to the five daily prayers, Muslims perform a special prayer called tarawih after the Isha prayer.

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Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, is obligatory for every healthy Muslim who has reached puberty during this month.

• Definition: Fasting involves abstaining from food and drink with the intention of worship from the break of dawn (imsak) until sunset (iftar).
• Suhur: The meal consumed before dawn to prepare for the fast is considered highly virtuous.
• Iftar: This is the moment at sunset when the fast is broken; traditionally, it begins with dates or water.

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• Mukabele: A tradition in which one person recites the Quran aloud while others listen attentively.
• Fitra (Fitr Sadaka): A mandatory charitable donation given by Muslims who possess wealth beyond their basic needs, to be distributed to those in need before the Eid prayer.

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The social impact of this month is expressed through specific customs:

• Mahya: Illuminated inscriptions hung between the two minarets of mosques.
• Boat Fast: A tradition in which children who cannot fast the entire day abstain from eating until midday to gradually become accustomed to the practice.
• Ramadan Drummer: An official who walks through neighborhoods at dawn, playing drums and singing traditional verses to awaken people for suhur.
• Tooth Money: Symbolic gifts given by hosts to guests attending iftar meals during the Ottoman period.

After Ramadan ends, a three-day festive celebration known as Ramadan Eid is jointly observed with great joy.