Guide to Ramadan Terms

Ramadan terms

Ramadan:     

The ninth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar.

Sawm:     

The Arabic word for fast.

Iftar:     

Ending of the fast immediately after sunset. Iftar takes place at the Maghrib Adhan (call to prayer) traditionally the fast is ended with dates and water and is a time when friends and family come together

Suhoor:     

The pre-fast meal before dawn and Fajr (morning call to prayer).

Taraweeh:     

Special congregational prayers conducted after Isha (night prayer)

Qiyam-ul-Layl:

Prayers during the last ten days of Ramadan, which

Eid Al Fitr:     

Three-day celebrations marking the end of Ramadan. It takes place on the 1st of Shawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

Fidya:     

Compensation for missing a fast, for those unable to, or wrongly practising it. Fidya usually takes the form of donating money, foodstuffs, or sacrificing an animal.

Zakat Al Fitr:

Muslims give away a certain percentage of the total value of all that they own annually and distribute it to charity and the needy. The contribution given at the end of Ramadan.

Eid Mubarak:

Greeting meaning "Have a happy and blessed Eid" expressed at the end of Ramadan.