So, you know it’s Ramadan, but you don’t hold a full understanding of what the month consists of — besides the recurring question asking “Do Muslims not eat or drink for the whole 30 days of Ramadan?” Not to worry — your local Muslim student journalist is here to help you with all the common queries one may have for Ramadan, its festivities, and the spiritual beliefs behind the holy month.
Depending on what mosque you follow, and their sighting of the crescent moon, Ramadan began this year on the eve of 17 February to 19 March 2026. The month of Ramadan tends to last around 29–30 days depending on the lunar cycle, and is not set in one particular month every year. This often means that when fasting season comes around, it’s typically a (positive) jumpscare that comes unexpected to many Muslims — myself included.
The month commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad, and the act of fasting itself is one of the Five Pillars of Islam as Muslims fulfill a divine command, ultimately bringing us closer to God through this act of worship. Fasting lasts between dawn (the meal before dawn is called Sahur [سَحُورٌ]) and sunset (with the meal after sunset called Iftar [إفطار]), and menstruating women, those who are ill, travelling, elderly or very young, are all exempt from fasting during Ramadan.
There is a sense of community created once Muslims often join altogether at the mosque every night to complete an extra voluntary prayer of Taraweeh (التَّرَاوِيح) during Ramadan, and this is probably one of my favourite parts of fasting away from home. It removes any loneliness previously felt in opening my fast alone, as I meet other students (both international and UK-local), families, and the like— all of them being open to conversation and allowing a feeling of home.
As we ignore the avid commercialised image of what Ramadan seems to be by conglomerates, and the aestheticisation of Ramadan by influencers on social media, Muslims can be truly reminded of what the true meaning of the holy month is. It is not only about the act of restricting yourself from food and drinks, but is also a time to enforce self-discipline by not speaking ill of others, being more generous, and to reflect on both our words and actions. As written in the second chapter of the Qur’an, al-Baqarah:
“Fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may learn self-restraint.”
While Ramadan is majorly seen as a meditative, self-reflective month, it is also a sign from God that he sees the strength within us to survive the majority of the day without food and water.
Growing up, I always believed fasting to be a sign of empathy to those who experience hunger in war-torn countries, and for all those in need wherever in the world they may be. I think in a time like today, it is especially important to think about those in Palestine, Sudan, and Congo — with a vast sense of empathy for those in countries celebrating Ramadan without food or water to break their fasts. So whether you are taking part in Ramadan and reading this article as a refresher, or you are completely new to the concept but now know a few new key words to show off to your Muslim friends, why not partake in the act of Zakat (زكاة) as we donate to those in need this Ramadan?
Happy Ramadan, and remember to be more kind, more self-resilient, and more generous this month!
Photo by Aisya Imya of Eid 2025 Potluck celebration