Ramadan is the ninth and most blessed month of the Islamic calendar — the month in which the Qur'an was first revealed, and in which fasting is made obligatory upon every able Muslim. It is the fourth pillar of Islam.
From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and intimacy — not as a hardship for its own sake, but to grow in taqwā (God-consciousness), gratitude, and self-discipline.
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwā." — Qur'an 2:183
It is a month of mercy, forgiveness, and freedom from the Fire — a time to draw close to Allah through worship, generosity, and the Qur'an.
The fast begins at dawn (the time of Fajr) and ends at sunset (the time of Maghrib). It is bracketed by two meals:
Eaten before Fajr. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Take suḥūr, for in it there is blessing." Even a sip of water counts.
At sunset (Maghrib). The Sunnah is to hasten it, traditionally with dates and water, then pray and eat.
Fasting is obligatory on every adult, sane, healthy Muslim. Allah is Merciful, so the following are excused (and most make up the days later, or feed the needy): the sick, travelers, the elderly, pregnant and nursing mothers, women in menstruation, and children before puberty.
Fasting is of the heart and tongue too. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up food and drink." Guard your words, your eyes, and your character.
After the Isha prayer each night of Ramadan, Muslims gather at the masjid for Taraweeh — a beautiful, lengthy voluntary prayer in which the imam often recites the entire Qur'an over the course of the month.
Standing in these nights is a cherished Sunnah of immense reward:
"Whoever stands (in prayer) in Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." — Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim
You are warmly welcome to join us for Taraweeh every night at the masjid — see the prayer times on our homepage.
Hidden within the last ten nights of Ramadan is the single greatest night of the entire year — Laylat al-Qadr, the night the Qur'an was sent down. Worship on this one night is better than worship across a thousand months (over 83 years):
"The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." — Qur'an 97:3
It is most strongly sought on the odd nights of the last ten (the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th). Muslims seek it through extra prayer, Qur'an, and du'ā. The Prophet ﷺ taught ʿĀ'ishah رضي الله عنها to say on it:
"Allāhumma innaka ʿAfuwwun tuḥibbu al-ʿafwa fa-ʿfu ʿannī" — "O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me." — Sunan al-Tirmidhī
Many spend these nights in iʿtikāf — secluding themselves in the masjid for devoted worship.
Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim — for themselves and each of their dependents — gives Zakāt al-Fiṭr, a small obligatory charity of food (or its value) to the poor.
Its purpose is to purify the fasting person from any shortcomings and to ensure that no one in the community is left without food and joy on the day of Eid. It must reach the needy before the Eid prayer. Your masjid can collect and distribute it on your behalf.
Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fiṭr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast" — a day of gratitude, celebration, and community. The day begins with a special congregational Eid prayer, followed by visiting family and friends, giving gifts, and sharing food.
It is a day to rejoice in the gift of having completed the month and to ask Allah to accept it: Taqabbal Allāhu minnā wa minkum — "May Allah accept from us and from you."
Join us for Taraweeh, community ifṭārs, and the blessed last ten nights at the masjid. For confirmed dates and times, please check with the masjid — they depend on the sighting of the moon.