Everything You Need To Know About Ramadan: Your Guide to The Most Blessed Month of The Year
Introduction 👋
As the crescent moon heralds the arrival of Ramadan, the air fills with a sense of anticipation, unity, and spiritual rejuvenation. This sacred month, a gift to the Ummah, is a time to cleanse our hearts, deepen our faith, and connect more profoundly with the Quran.
Whether this is your first Ramadan or one of many, here's Tarteel's very own Ramadan guide to help you navigate the blessed month like a pro! Here's what we're exploring:
- What is Ramadan?
- Going beyond the fast
- The virtues of Ramadan
- The month of the Quran
- What are the benefits of fasting?
- Increase your knowledge
- Keep the Ummah in your duas
- Spend a little, give a lot
- The little things that make an epic Ramadan
Let's embark on this blessed journey together, armed with knowledge, inspiration, and a suitcase full of practical tips and tricks. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share with your family and friends!
Let's start simple... What is Ramadan? 🤔
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar and is recognized as the month of fasting.
As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting during Ramadan is a profound act of faith and devotion. It's not just about abstaining from food and drink; it's an opportunity to get rid of negative habits and purify the soul. From the first light of dawn until the sun dips below the horizon, Muslims worldwide embark on a transformative 30-day journey, fasting each day, to deepen their spiritual connection and discipline.
All Muslims are expected to fast except for young children, the elderly, those afflicted with illness, and travellers.
In 2024, Ramadan is expected to begin on the 1oth of March and end with Eid ul-Fitr which should fall on or around the 9th of April (subject to the moon sighting).
Going beyond the fast 💭
Aside from complete devotion to Allah SWT and discipline, Ramadan also teaches us the importance of empathy and provides us with much-needed perspective. In our modern world, it's easy to fall down the rabbit hole of worldly desires, focusing our attention on our day-to-day chaos rather than honing in on the importance of our deen, and more importantly, the hereafter. Fasting itself also increases us in Taqwa - consciousness of Allah SWT.
It’s vital to consider those less fortunate and increase gratitude for all that we have. Fasting teaches us to remove our life’s pleasures from our priorities and emphasises our complete dependence on Allah SWT for everything.
This month is transformative for many and creates time and space to take an introspective look at ourselves from within, encouraging mindfulness and reflection that will hopefully stay with us long after Ramadan has passed inshaAllah.
The virtues of Ramadan 🤍
Need some motivation? We've got you. Here are some inspirational ahadith and words from our beloved Prophet ﷺ shared on the topic of Ramadan 👇
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "(Allah said), 'Every good deed of Adam's son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.' Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk." - Sahih al-Bukhari 5927
A man from Banu Sulaim narrated:“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) counted them out in my hand” - or - “in his hand: ‘At-Tasbīḥ is half of the Scale, and “All praise is due to Allah (Al-Ḥamdulillāh)” fills it, and At-Takbīr (Allāhu Akbar) fills what is between the sky and the earth, and fasting is half of patience, and purification is half of faith.” - Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3519
Sahl bin Sa'd narrated that: The Prophet said: "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyyan, those who fast shall be invited into it, and whoever was among those who fasted, then he will enter it; and whoever enters it, he will never thirst again." - Jami` at-Tirmidhi 765
Curious about what the Quran says about Ramadan? Find out more 👇
The month of the Quran 📖
What makes Ramadan extra special? It's the month that brought the ummah the ULTIMATE gift: the Quran, as revealed to our beloved Prophet ﷺ. As Allah tells us in Surat Al-Baqarah:
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ
Ramaḍân is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. (Quran, 2:185)
So, Ramadan isn't just about fasting; it's a golden opportunity to dive deep into the Quran's pages. Across the globe, Muslims embrace this time to connect or reconnect with Allah’s divine words, with many aiming to complete a khatm (a full reading of the Quran). Whether it's wrapping yourself in its soothing recitations daily or pondering over its profound teachings, Ramadan is the perfect time to nurture and strengthen your bond with the book of Allah.
And hey, it's ok if it's been a while since you picked up your Quran or if you can't complete a khatm. Do what you can and make this month a stepping stone that leads you to building a relationship with the Quran that lasts a lifetime.
Spend Ramadan with Tarteel 💚
We interrupt this broadcast (guide) for a shameless plug!
This Ramadan we want you to Memorize More of the Quran, whether it's a unique word, a single verse, a new surah for your prayers or just brushing up on what you already know. Honestly, the possibilities are endless but that's the best part! Start wherever you feel comfortable no matter how small because this Ramadan, Tarteel is meeting you on the page wherever you are.
With Tarteel at your side, you have the PERFECT Companion for connecting with the Quran and the world's only Quran Memorization A.I at your disposal, any time, anywhere.
Let's get into the Premium features that are going to revolutionize how you memorize and revise the Quran independently:
- Memorization Mistake Detection 🧠: Our flagship feature loved by Muslims worldwide and the only A.I to detect mistakes in your memorization as you're reciting and alert you in real time! Interactive, accurate and judgement-free as you embark on your journey towards memorizing more. Don't just take our word for it though - see it in action here 👇
- Advanced Goals 🎯: You've got a goal and we want you to reach it. Our new and improved Goals tab allows you to set custom goals or choose from our preset ones so you can stay on track at all times - perfect for anyone looking to complete a khatm this year!
- Peeking 👀: We've all been there - we're in the flow of reciting and then we draw a blank. Maybe your teachers and friends are getting tired of you asking for 'just the first word'? Don't sweat it - our A.I lets you peek at the next word or the entire verse so you can pick up where you left off without the side eye. 😉
- Memorization Journey Planning 🛣️: Memorizing the Quran is a journey and every journey needs some kind of plan before you set off! Let Tarteel intuitively plan your memorization to fit your schedule and preferences so you can commit at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
And there's so much more! Tarteel A.I is a goldmine of habit building features that are designed to take you closer to the Quran. And before you ask, no, we're not trying to replace your teacher; we could never - shoutout to all the Hifz teachers out there, you're the real MVPs! - but you have a Companion in Tarteel that's with you every step of the way, and that's something we can guarantee!
What are the benefits of fasting? 🏆
In recent years, we’ve seen countless medical, fitness and nutrition experts advise intermittent fasting as a means for attaining better health and overall functionality... but this is why we love Islam - it’s always one step ahead of the curve. 😉
💡Fasting is believed to:
- Help reset the body’s metabolism
- Encourage your body to repair itself
- Promote blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance
- Fight and reduce inflammation
- Improve blood pressure
- Boost brain function
- Increase growth hormone secretion
Get closer to Allah AND attain optimal health? A winning formula if we ever saw one! 🎉
*Please note that we are NOT healthcare professionals and you should discuss fasting with your doctor first if you think your overall health and wellbeing could be compromised.
Increase your knowledge📚
وَٱلَّذِينَ جَـٰهَدُوا۟ فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
As for those who struggle in Our cause, We will surely guide them along Our Way. And Allah is certainly with the good-doers. (Quran 29:69)
We should always be in a state of learning, and Ramadan is a great time to give ourselves more context of our deen overall. There are plenty of brilliant institutions and resources to supplement your learning and we’ve listed a few topics you might be interested in below:
- Tafseer (explanation) of each Juz of the Qur'an
- The seerah (life journey) of the Prophet ﷺ
- Descriptions of Jannah
- Memorizing prophetic duas
- An Introduction to the sciences of the Quran
- Duas to memorize and use throughout Ramadan 👇
- 💡 Bonus resource alert! Check out the re:Verses Podcast for all things Hifz this Ramadan and beyond.👇
Keep the Ummah in your duas 🤲
The oppression and injustice being inflicted on our Muslim brothers and sisters across the globe continues even during a month that is supposed to a special respite for them. The tragedies in Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon and so many other parts of the world remind us that we need to step up and show solidarity with our Ummah, now more than ever.
This Ramadan, when you make dua, whether it's after salah, during Qiyam ul-Layl or even when you break your fast, we hope you'll remember to ask Allah for the freedom, safety and ease in hardship for our brothers and sisters. We ask that Allah makes us sincere in our prayers and accepts them.
If you need a starting point for making dua, we've put together a few lists 👇
Spend a little, give a lot 🎁
In a month where good deeds are amplified and rewarded tenfold, it’s important to give back. As mentioned earlier, Ramadan is a time of empathy and so we should make every effort to give back and uplift those in need.
إِنَّ ٱلْمُصَّدِّقِينَ وَٱلْمُصَّدِّقَـٰتِ وَأَقْرَضُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًۭا يُضَـٰعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌۭ كَرِيمٌ
Indeed, those men and women who give in charity and lend to Allah a good loan will have it multiplied for them, and they will have an honourable reward. (Quran 57:18)
Here’s a list of charities you can use this Ramadan to ensure to make a difference, no matter how big or small:
The little things that make an epic Ramadan✅
Eat and drink well 🥗
Take it easy with the salt, sugar and oil in your food during Ramadan; remember, we need enough to sustain us and enable maximum productivity.
Eat foods that are light on the stomach but rich in volume; prioritize protein and slow burning carbs like oats and Greek yoghurt to ensure you're full for longer! As well as drinking water, try to eat your hydration with things like watermelon and cucumber. Finally - and most importantly - eat light so that you can really focus throughout Taraweeh and during the night where you’ll want to make ample worship!
Get everyone involved! 🫂
Ramadan is a time for the whole family to enjoy, regardless of age. Sit down to learn together and share knowledge and stories. If you're engaging with the Quran, encourage everyone else to do it, too!
🏡 Bring Hifz a little closer to home with Tarteel's NEW Family Plan (which we may or may not have released just in time for Ramadan 😉) where your whole family can access the full suite of A.I features for 65% off! 💸
That's up to 5 loved ones (including yourself) on 1 subscription with ALL of the Premium perks at an unbeatable value for each person!
Treat Taraweeh like the treasure it is! 🕌
Taraweeh prayers come around but once a year - don't see it as a chore! If you're able to go, it's a beautiful way to build a connection with the Quran in the presence of your community. Here are our Top 10 Tips for an EPIC Taraweeh Experience this Ramadan 👇
Take a nap 💤
No one expects you stay awake all day and all night, and you’d hit burnout pretty fast if you did. Try and find windows of time throughout the day to catch a quick power nap if you can. It’ll mean you’re more energised later on and will fight any fatigue you could potentially experience after iftar.
Lend a helping hand 🤝
Don’t be that person that sits back and watches everyone else fuss for iftar and suhoor. Make some effort and contribute however you can so that it doesn’t all fall on one person or group of people every day! Ramadan is for everyone and the more we help out, the more time we can spend enjoying the moments that really matter.
Organize your day ⏰
Try to segment your time. It’s difficult when you’re at work or school but it’s important to organize yourself so that you don’t fall behind. Place emphasis on small consistent efforts that you can make daily and try to keep some sense of routine.
Nice face, always! ☺️
A smile, a simple check in with loved ones - kindness goes a long way. Remember, not everyone experiences Ramadan in the same way, so be patient, be there for anyone who needs you and support one another throughout the month. Ramadan is a great time to strengthen the bond with our friends, family and community, and we should treat it as such!
And that's a wrap! 🎬
Well, that’s our mini guide to the most wonderful time of the year. We hope you’ve found it useful and that you and your loved ones have a truly blessed Ramadan inshaAllah.❤️