The Fast of Ramadan (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

The rules of observing Ramadan

• Fasting (sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam

• The main period of fasting for Muslims is Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar

• The fasting starts at the sighting of the new moon and lasts until the festival of ‘Id al-Fitr

• All Muslim adults in good health should observe fasts during this time

• Muslims must abstain from:

  • Food and drink

  • Smoking

  • Sexual relations

  • Bad behaviour (e.g. lying, swearing, gossiping)

  • Anything that is a distraction from remembering Allah

• Fasting begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib) each day

• Exemptions include:

  • The ill 

  • The elderly

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women

  • Young children

  • Travellers on long journeys

• Any adult who does not fast for any reason apart from those listed should try to make up the fast later or donate to the poor instead

The spiritual benefits of fasting

• Fasting confers several spiritual benefits. It:

  • Helps Muslims to get closer to Allah and to be grateful for all that he has provided

• Strengthens their consciousness of Allah (taqwa)

  • Encourages self-discipline and spiritual growth

  • Helps to develop empathy for the poor

  • Provides a chance to purify the soul and seek forgiveness for past sins

  • Helps Muslims to give thanks for the revelation of the Qur’an, which began in the month of Ramadan

  • Reflects the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

  • Makes Muslims aware of their fellowship with the worldwide community of believers (Ummah)

The importance of Iftar (to break the fast)

• Iftar is the meal eaten at sunset to break the daily fast

• Traditionally, Iftar begins with dates and water to break the fast, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• The meal is a moment of gratitude, family unity and reflection on the blessings received

• Iftar often involves prayer (Maghrib) before or after eating

• It is a time for community gathering in mosques or homes

The importance of Suhur (predawn meal)

• Suhur is the predawn meal Muslims eat before their fast begins each day

  • It is encouraged in the Hadith and considered a blessed act

• Suhur provides energy and nourishment to sustain people for the day ahead

  • It is seen as an act of worship when done with the right intention

The importance and purpose of the fast

• Fasting is important to both individual Muslims and to the whole Ummah as an act of unity and community

Importance of fasting for Muslims individually

• Fasting is important for individual Muslims as an act of obedience to Allah

  • Fasting is a direct command from Allah in the Qur’an, so fulfilling it is an act of worship and submission:

• Fasting also enables Muslims to follow the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) example

  • Because the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) observed Ramadan, Muslims who do so are imitating his practice

• Fasting helps Muslims grow in taqwa (God-consciousness)

  • It helps with their spiritual development, deepening their awareness of Allah in everyday actions

• By controlling their hunger, desires and behaviour, Muslims develop patience, self-restraint and resilience

• Ramadan is a time for reflection and repentance

• During this month, believers reflect on past actions, seek forgiveness and make positive changes

• Fasting brings physical and mental benefits. Many Muslims find that fasting helps cleanse the body and improve focus, gratitude and mental clarity

Importance of fasting for the Muslim community

• Fasting creates a sense of unity and shared identity

• All Muslims around the world fast at the same time

  • This creates a powerful sense of togetherness and belonging

• Fasting strengthens the global Muslim community

  • It reminds Muslims that they are part of a worldwide faith and that they share the same beliefs and values as their brothers and sisters globally

• Ramadan encourages a spirit of empathy and compassion

  • It encourages Muslims to feel what the poor experience daily, inspiring acts of charity and justice

• Ramadan brings families and communities together through Iftar meals, shared worship and charitable projects

I‘tikaf & Laylat al-Qadr — meaning and significance

Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power

• Laylat al-Qadr is the Night of Power 

• It is when Allah gave the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and started his prophethood

• Muslims believe the content revealed in the Qur’an is the final message of Allah to humanity

• On this night Muhammad (pbuh) became a prophet for all humanity 

• Muslims can experience a Laylat al-Qadr, or Night of Power, themselves to strengthen their faith and bring them closer to Allah

• The nature of how Laylat al-Qadr is experienced is explained in different ways. Many people think that it is:

  • A moment when a person receives special blessings

  • Or when all of their prayers are heard and answered

  • Or even when the angels support them in some specific trial

• The Qur’an describes Laylat al-Qadr as a time of special blessings and rewards

The meaning & significance of Laylat al-Qadr and I’tikaf 

• Laylat al-Qadr is of special significance to Muslims during Ramadan today

  • It is a time when Muslims remember the revelation of the Qur’an to all of humanity

  • Muslims try to come closer to Allah and attain special blessings

  • Muslims attend mosque in the evenings during Ramadan

  • Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr can remove past sins, so it is a time to ask for forgiveness from Allah

The meaning and significance of I’tikaf

• Many Muslims spend the last few nights of Ramadan in I’tikaf

• This is a spiritual retreat during which they have a private space in the mosque to spend time in study, prayer, reflection and repentance

• Muslims spend this time in seclusion for an opportunity to become more devoted to Allah

• They do this because the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised his followers to seek Laylat al-Qadr on one of the odd nights towards the end of the fasting month, meaning the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th nights

The significance of giving during Ramadan

• Charity and giving are always central to Islam 

  • Zakah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam

• The spirit of giving is particularly significant during Ramadan

  • Muslims believe that every good action during Ramadan is multiplied in reward

  • Acts of charity are therefore highly encouraged at this time

  • This takes the form of both obligatory zakah and voluntary sadaqah charity donations 

  • The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is believed to have said, “The best charity is that given in Ramadan” (Tirmidhi)

• Giving to others is seen as a way of cleansing both one’s possessions and the heart from greed and selfishness

• Fasting during Ramadan makes Muslims experience hunger and thirst firsthand, helping them understand the daily struggles of the poor

  • Giving to charity is a practical response to this experience

  • It reflects a Muslim's willingness to use their wealth to please Allah and help others rather than for personal gain

  • It demonstrates true submission to Allah

• For the Ummah, fasting during Ramadan is a powerful way of strengthening community bonds

  • Charity helps highlight the need to care for one another and look after those in need within the community

  • Giving helps to break down barriers and promote equality

• Many mosques run Iftar events or carry out fundraising efforts during Ramadan

  • The money raised often goes to support Islamic charities that work to relieve poverty and inequality globally