Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it’s a holy month observed by Muslims worldwide. It’s a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

Some key aspects of Ramadan include Fasting, Prayer, Reflection, and Community fellowship.

Fasting (Sawm): This is a central pillar of Ramadan. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset each day. Fasting is meant to teach self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and a deeper appreciation for God’s blessings.

Prayer: Muslims devote more time to prayer during Ramadan, including special night prayers called Taraweeh.

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Reflection: This is a time for Muslims to focus on their spiritual growth and reconnect with their faith. They may read the Quran more, reflect on their actions, and seek forgiveness.

Community: Ramadan is a time for Muslims to come together for shared meals (Suhoor before dawn and Iftar after sunset), prayers at the mosque, and charitable acts.

Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The exact dates change each year because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based.

Below are some common Ramadan questions and answers for Muslims in Sierra Leone.

When do we start Ramadan fast?

Ramadan fasting starts after the leader of the Muslims in any country announces the sighting of the moon. If the moon is not seen on Sha’aban 29, then Sha’aban is counted to 30, and fasting begins the next day.

If the moon is sighted by Sunday evening of Sha’aban 29 = 10 March 2024, Ramadan starts the following Monday = 11 March 2024. If the moon is not sighted on Sunday evening of 29 Sha’aban = 10 March 2024, Ramadan starts on the Tuesday = 12 March 2024.

What breaks the fast?

  1. Intentionally eating or drinking breaks the fast.
  2. Eating by mistake does not break the fast, but one should stop eating and wash the mouth without swallowing.
  3. Having sex, including penetration or intentional ejaculation, breaks the fast.
  4. Fasting consecutively for 2 months is required as a punishment for having sex during fasting.
  5. Anything similar to eating, drinking, or having sex, including masturbation, breaks the fast
  6. Monthly period and Nifas (Parturition) blood also break the fast.
  7. Cupping, letting blood, and deliberate vomiting also break the fast.

How many times did the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) fast Ramadan?

The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) fasted Ramadan for nine years.

Can I use Siwak (Chewing stick or toothbrush & Paste) during Ramadan?

It is permissible to use the Siwak stick or mouthwash and spit it out. Swallowing is forbidden.

Can I fast while traveling?

It is permissible to fast while traveling, and one may also choose not to fast while traveling and make up for the missed fast later.

Can I taste food during fasting when I cook?

Tasting food is permissible, but swallowing the tasted food is forbidden.

Can I take injections during fasting?

Injections of drugs are permissible if they do not contain nourishment.

From what time to what time do we fast?

Fasting is observed from the first light of dawn (Fajr) to the time of Maghrib (sunset).

When is the Sahoor taken and is it compulsory?

Sahoor is the meal taken before the first light of dawn by the one who is going to fast. Taking Sahoor is not obligatory but a recommended action with blessings.

Can I take a bath while fasting?

Bathing is permissible while fasting, but one should avoid swallowing water.

Can non-Muslims fast?

No, fasting is a pillar of Islam commanded to Muslims and is for Muslims only.

Can I fast without praying Salah?

Salah is the second Pillar of Islam after the Shahadatayn. This pillar is greater than fasting Ramadan, as it will be the first deed to be checked on the day of resurrection. One who does not perform Salah is considered a disbeliever, and fasting is not recommended for such a disbeliever in Allah.

Is the Taraweeh Compulsory?

No, Taraweeh is not compulsory but a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet. Muslims are encouraged to pray Taraweeh behind the Imam to earn great rewards in Ramadan. If unable to pray with the Imam due to laziness or other excuses, it is recommended to at least pray two rak’ah then witr (one) on your own.

Can I follow the daily Night prayer (Nafilah) time table announced in our mosque during Ramadan?

There is no daily night prayer from the Prophet in Ramadan. The accepted actions are those that originated from the Prophet of Allah. It is encouraged to strive to do away with innovated actions in the worship of Allah and to pray Taraweeh with the Imam completely.

What beneficial acts should I do in Ramadan?

Ramadan is a month of good deeds and minimal bad deeds. Below are some Beneficial acts to consider:

  1. Recite the Qur’an as much as possible according to your ability. If unable to recite, at least listen to it or attend Sunnah Tafsirs gatherings.
  2. Perform all the supererogatory (Nawafil) prayers: 4 Raka’h before Zuhr, 2 after Zuhr, 2 after Maghrib, 2 after Ishaa, and 2 before Fajr.
  3. Recite the Morning and Evening Adhkars.
  4. Recite any of the Adhkars from Sunnah.
  5. Pray Taraweeh behind the Imam completely.
  6. Avoid innovations and sins.
  7. Perform Nawaafil at home every night, especially in the last ten days of Ramadan.
  8. Make du’a greatly seeking the Night of Majesty at home or at best in seclusion in a mosque.
  9. Give food to Muslims to fast and break the fast, which will multiply your fasts in rewards.
  10. Zakat al Fitr should be given towards the last days of Ramadan to every Muslim.
  11. Make lots of du’as from the Qur’an and Sunnah.