Editing Ramadan (section)

== Religious practices ==
[[File:Ramazan with the poor.jpg|thumb|[[Azim Azimzade]]. Ramadan of the poor people. 1938]]
The common practice is to fast from dawn to sunset. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the ''[[suhur]]'', while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is called ''[[iftar]]''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramadan|title=Ramadan|website=Britannica|date=7 June 2024 }}</ref>

Muslims devote more time to prayer and acts of charity, striving to improve their [[self-discipline]], motivated by hadith:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sunnah.com/bukhari/30/|title=Book of Fasting&nbsp;– Sahih al-Bukhari&nbsp;– Sunnah.com&nbsp;– Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610105330/http://sunnah.com/bukhari/30|archive-date=10 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hadithcollection.com/.../10999-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number%20-2361.html|title=Sahih Muslim Book 006, Hadith Number 2361.|work=Hadith Collection|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604202311/http://www.hadithcollection.com/.../10999-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number%20-2361.html|archive-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> "When Ramadan arrives, the gates of [[Paradise]] are opened and the [[gates of hell]] are locked up and devils are put in chains."<ref name=guardian>{{cite web |url= http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/features/weekend/169233-muslims-observe-ramadan-clerics-explain-significance |archive-url= https://archive.today/20140718041849/http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/features/weekend/169233-muslims-observe-ramadan-clerics-explain-significance  |archive-date= 18 July 2014 |title= Muslims observe Ramadan, clerics explain significance |work= Guardian News, Nigeria |date= 4 July 2014 |access-date= 16 July 2014 }}</ref>

=== Fasting ===
{{Main|Fasting during Ramadan}}
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of [[Islam]]. The fast (''sawm'') begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims abstain from sexual relations<ref name="AlJazeera">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/ramadan-fasting-start-date-170427062743037.html|title=Ramadan to start May 27 or May 28|website=aljazeera.com/|access-date=27 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427152830/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/ramadan-fasting-start-date-170427062743037.html|archive-date=27 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and sinful speech and behaviour during Ramadan. Fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, and to [[Ritual purification|cleanse the soul]] by freeing it from harmful impurities. Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control,<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2008/08/29/ramadhan_2008_feature.shtml Why Ramadan brings us together] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830190152/http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2008/08/29/ramadhan_2008_feature.shtml |date=30 August 2009 }}; ''[[BBC]]'', 1 September 2008</ref> sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (''[[zakat]]'').<ref name=WP>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/27/AR2008092702592_2.html?nav=rss_world Help for the Heavy at Ramadan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020200236/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/27/AR2008092702592_2.html?nav=rss_world |date=20 October 2016 }}, ''[[Washington Post]]'', 27 September 2008</ref>

Exemptions from fasting include those traveling, menstruating, severely ill, pregnant, or breastfeeding.<ref name=":0" /> Those unable to fast are obligated to make up the missed days later.<ref>{{qref|2|184|b=y}}</ref>

==== ''Suhur'' ====
{{Main|Suhur}}
[[File:Iftar in Istanbul Turkey.jpg|thumb|upright|''Iftar'' at the [[Sultan Ahmed Mosque]] in [[Istanbul]], Turkey]]
Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called the ''[[suhur]]''. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, [[Fajr]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10921-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2415.html |title= Sahih Muslim&nbsp;– Book 006 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 2415 |first= Abul-Hussain |last= Muslim-Ibn-Habaj |work= hadithcollection.com |year= 2009 |access-date= 25 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130115170800/http://www.hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10921-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2415.html |archive-date= 15 January 2013  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/64-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2031.%20Fasting/2446-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-031-hadith-number-144.html |title= Sahih Bukhari&nbsp;– Book 031 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 144 |first= AbdAllah-Muhammad |last= Ibn-Ismail-Bukhari |work= hadithcollection.com |year= 2009 |access-date= 25 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130115170927/http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/64-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2031.%20Fasting/2446-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-031-hadith-number-144.html |archive-date= 15 January 2013  }}</ref>

==== ''Iftar'' ====
{{Main|Iftar}}
[[File:Example of Ramadan iftar 2.jpg|alt=Picture of some of the dishes used in breaking Ramadan fast in Nigeria|thumb|Some dishes used in breaking Ramadan fast in Nigeria]]
At sunset, families break the fast with the ''[[iftar]]'', traditionally opening the meal by eating [[Phoenix dactylifera#Fruits|dates]] to commemorate Muhammad's practice of breaking the fast with three dates.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Oxford dictionary of Islam|date=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|last=Esposito|first=John L.|isbn=0-19-512558-4|location=New York|oclc=50280143|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/oxforddictionary00bada}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Indrayani|first=Suharti|date=2018|title=How do Muslims consume dates?|url=http://www.pjmhsonline.com/2018/oct_dec/pdf/1732.pdf|journal=Pakistani Journal of Medical and Health Sciences|volume=12|pages=1732–1743|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728134336/http://www.pjmhsonline.com/2018/oct_dec/pdf/1732.pdf|archive-date=28 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> They then adjourn for [[Maghrib]], the fourth of the five required daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/Muslims_fast_and_feast_as_Ramadan_begins.html?showFullArticle=y |title=Muslims fast and feast as Ramadan begins |first=Melissa |last=Fletcher Stoeltje |date=22 August 2009 |access-date=22 July 2012 |work=[[San Antonio Express-News]]}}</ref> 

Social gatherings, many times in [[buffet]] style, are frequent at ''iftar''. Traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, particularly those made only during Ramadan.{{such as|date=July 2019}} Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also often available, as are soft drinks and caffeinated beverages.<ref name="dieticiannour">{{cite web |url=http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/072709p56.shtml |title=Understanding Muslim Fasting Practices |first1=Dr. Nour |last1=El-Zibdeh |work=todaysdietitian.com |access-date=25 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731172803/http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/072709p56.shtml |archive-date=31 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the [[Middle East]], ''iftar'' consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers; one or more main dishes; and rich desserts, with dessert considered the most important aspect of the meal.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Oxford companion to sugar and sweets|last=Goldstein, Darra|isbn=978-0-19-931361-7|location=Oxford|oclc=905969818|date = April 2015}}</ref> Typical main dishes include lamb stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables, and roasted chicken served with chickpea-studded rice pilaf. Desserts may include [[lokma]], [[baklava]] or [[knafeh]].<ref name="la">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-ramadan-20120721,0,1433650.story |title=Ramadan's high note is often a dip |first1=Faye |last1=Levy |first2=Yakir |last2=Levy |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=21 July 2012 |access-date=22 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722134003/http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-ramadan-20120721,0,1433650.story |archive-date=22 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Over time, the practice of ''iftar'' has evolved into banquets that may accommodate hundreds or even thousands of diners.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-08-08/news/fl-ramadan-food-20100808_1_iftar-fasting-muslims-hail |title=Ramadan: Muslims feast and fast during holy month |first=James D. |last=Davis |date=8 August 2010 |access-date=22 July 2012 |work=[[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706233740/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-08-08/news/fl-ramadan-food-20100808_1_iftar-fasting-muslims-hail |archive-date=6 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque]] in [[Abu Dhabi]], the largest mosque in the [[UAE]], feeds up to thirty thousand people every night.<ref>{{cite news |title=Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque feeds 30,000 during Ramadan |url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/05/10/abu-dhabi-s-grand-mosque-feeds-30-000-during-ramadan |access-date=11 May 2019 |agency=Euro News |publisher=euronews.com |date=10 May 2019}}</ref> 
[[File:Iftar Serving for fasting people in the holy shrine of Imam Reza 05 ().jpg|thumb|Iftar served for people fasting in the [[Imam Reza shrine]]]]

=== Charity ===
{{Main|Zakat|Sadaqah}}
[[File:Men praying in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|Men praying during Ramadan at the [[Shrine of Ali]] or "Blue Mosque" in [[Mazar-i-Sharif]], Afghanistan]]
[[File:Dan Hadani collection (990040387050205171).jpg|thumb|alt=A mass prayer during the 1996 Ramadan at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem|A mass prayer during the 1996 Ramadan at the [[Dome of the Rock]] in [[Jerusalem]]]]
''[[Zakat]]'', often translated as "the poor-rate", is the fixed percentage of income a believer is required to give to the poor; the practice is obligatory as one of the [[pillars of Islam]]. Muslims believe that good deeds are rewarded more handsomely during Ramadan than at any other time of the year; consequently, many Muslims donate a larger portion{{snd}}or even all{{snd}}of their yearly ''zakat'' during this month.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Why Ramadan Generates Millions in Charitable Giving Every Year |work=The New York Times |date=29 April 2022 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/29/nyregion/ramadan-charitable-giving.html |access-date=2023-11-22 |last1=Stack |first1=Liam }}</ref>

=== Nightly prayers ===
{{Main|Tarawih}}

''[[Tarawih]]'' ({{langx|ar|تراويح}}) are extra nightly prayers performed during the month of Ramadan. Contrary to popular belief, they are not compulsory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamhelpline.com/qa/tarawih-prayer-nafl-or-sunnah|title=Tarawih Prayer a Nafl or Sunnah|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118190826/http://www.islamhelpline.com/qa/tarawih-prayer-nafl-or-sunnah|archive-date=18 November 2015}}</ref>

=== Recitation of the Quran ===
Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran, which comprises thirty ''[[juz']]'' (sections), over the thirty days of Ramadan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Isra |date=2023-03-03 |title=Your Ramadan Quran Reading is Important |url=https://iqranetwork.com/blog/your-ramadan-quran-reading-is-important/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Learn Quran online, Arabic & Islamic Studies Online {{!}} IQRA Network |language=en-US}}</ref>