Millions of Muslims across the globe observe the month of Ramadhan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity.
From the Middle East to Africa, Europe, and the Americas, daily life shifts around two important moments: Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset)
Many might be asking why now, why fast at this particular time?
Muslims around the globe recognize Ramadhan as the most significant and holy time of the Islamic calendar.
The beginning of Islam
To understand the roots of Ramadan, we need to look back to 610 A.D., the momentous year when an Arabian man named Muhammad (PBUH) meditated in the cave of Hira, near Mecca.
During this meditation, the angel Jibril visited Muhammad (PBUH) and revealed the first words of what would later be known as the Qur’an, explaining that Allah (SWT) is the one and only God.
This marked the beginning of Islam and laid the foundation for the values that define it, including fasting.
This first meeting with Jibril is known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which many believe occurred on the 27th night of the lunar month.
The revelations and core Teachings
Although some believe that all revelations occurred on Laylat al-Qadr, many Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) continued to receive teachings from Allah (SWT) over a span of 23 years. These revelations included the Five Pillars of Islam, one of which is Sawm, or fasting. This practice laid the groundwork for the holy month, answering the question of why Ramadhan is celebrated.
The origin of Ramadhan
The answer to “when did Ramadan begin?” aligns with the timeline of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) revelations. Those who believe the revelations occurred over two decades suggest that Sawm and thus Ramadan, became formalised around 622 A.D. At that moment,
The Prophet, Muhammad( PBUH), and his followers were in Medina. This is where the hot climate influenced the term Ramadhan, the ‘burning heat.’
So why is this month so significant?
For Muslims, the month-long time of Ramadhan is like training at a spiritual school. Those who accurately and genuinely observe it come out of it refreshed, as if they had graduated, their sins of the past vanishing like parched leaves.
Sawm, or fasting, the fourth pillar of Islam, is upheld during the holy month. By refraining from eating and drinking, backbiting, and engaging in any sexual activity during the day, Muslims develop self-control, thankfulness, and empathy.
Ramadhan is also an opportunity to consider its historical importance and the more profound meaning of fasting.
Fundamentally, the month upholds the importance of self-control and spiritual development, which are major factors in why Ramadhan is so significant in Islamic customs.
The requirements for Ramadhan
Ramadhan comes with exceptions for people who are unable to fast maybe because of their age, health, or condition eg A breastfeeding woman, mentally ill person, menstruating lady, heavily pregnant (if she can’t bear the thirst) instead, Fidyah (a charitable compensation paid by a Muslim who is unable to fast during Ramadan for valid reasons) must be paid by these people.
All Muslims are also urged to perform Fitrana and Zakat, an act that dates back to the early days of Ramadhan.
Customs and celebrations
Traditionally, Muslims break their fast with dates, a custom linked to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This gesture is symbolic, tying modern observance back to the original practices, further emphasising Ramadan's historical significance.
The dates in Ramadhan observance keep on changing; this is why:
The month follows the Islamic Calendar, which is based on the Lunar cycle. Unlike the Gregorian Calendar, the Islamic year is about 10 to 11 days shorter.
That means Ramadan moves earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Over time, it rotates through all seasons, sometimes falling in long, hot summer days, and other times during shorter, cooler periods.
The month ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marked by communal prayers, feasting and acts of charity.
Fasting hours around the world
Fasting begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib). The length of the fast depends on geography and daylight hours. For this year, the start of the holy month is expected on 18th or 19th February, depending with the moon sighting.
Middle East
In cities like Makkah and Dubai, Muslims fast approximately 13–14 hours in 2026.
Europe
In London, fasting may last between 13 and 15 hours. In northern Europe, daylight can stretch longer, increasing fasting hours.
North America
In New York City, fasting hours are expected to average around 13–14 hours.
Kenya, Africa: A unique Ramadan experience
Kenya is close to the equator; fasting hours in Nairobi stay rather constant at 12 or 13 hours. Usually, iftar is at 6:35 p.m., and suhoor is before 5:30 a.m.
Ramadan is a cultural event as well as a religious holiday in Kenya. At night, the streets of coastal cities like Mombasa come alive with food vendors offering samosas, bhajias, viazi karai, and fresh juices. Mosques host Taraweeh prayers every night, which attract sizable crowds.
How people prepare for Ramadan
Preparation begins weeks before the first fast. Many Muslims:
- Increase voluntary prayers and Quran recitation
- Clear debts and plan charitable giving (zakat and sadaqah)
- Stock up on essential foods
- Plan family and community iftars
- Adjust sleep schedules
In Kenya, radio and TV stations also adjust programming to include religious content, while businesses sometimes revise working hours to accommodate fasting employees.
Fasting during Ramadhan can promote healthier habits by reducing the intake of junk food and unhealthy fats, supporting overall well-being, and some studies suggest that controlled fasting may also help lower the risk of certain diseases, including some types of cancer.
