Ramadan 2022 Frequently Asked Questions

Have a pressing question about Ramadan 2022, and need some answers? The OnePath Network team has collated the most frequently asked questions about Ramadan and provided well researched answers just for you.

We recommend you treat this resource as a guide which provides basic responses to your questions. If you have a specific question or require a more details response, it is best to consult your local trusted Islamic scholar.

The key questions we answer are:

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan the 9th month of the Muslim lunar calendar. During this month, Muslims fast from the break of dawn to sunset. Fasting (sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam. During the fast, Muslims abstain from water, food and marital relations. Ramadan is a significant month of spiritual reflection and a heightened awareness of God (taqwa). Allah سبحانه وتعالى states in the Quran;

The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.
(Quran 2:185)

Ramadan was the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the cave of Hira. Accordingly, Muslims intend to connect with the Quran during this month. During this month of reflection, the nearly 1.6 billion Muslims across the world observe the fast. Though fasting is an individual experience, one feels a great sense of unity with the Muslim global community (ummah).

The 12 Months Of The Hijri Calendar

What are the Islamic Months?

Month	Meaning	Significance
Muharram	Forbidden	Fighting is forbidden during this monthOne of four sacred months
Safar	Void	Supposedly named thus because pre-Islamic Arab houses were empty this time of year while their occupants gathered food.
Rabi Al-Awwal	First Spring	Rabi Al-Awwal is a very holy month for many Muslims as the Prophet ﷺ was born in this month.
Rabi Al-Thani	Second Spring	Marks the end of springtime.
Jumada Al-Awwal	The first month of parched land	Fifth Islamic Month
Jumada Al-Thani	The second month of parched land	Sixth Islamic Month
Rajab	To respect/ honour	The second sacred month in which fighting is forbidden.Event of Al Isra’ wal MirajOne of four sacred months
Shabaan	Scattered	Known as the month “to be in between two things”, as it is the month that lies between Rajab and Ramadan.
Ramadan	Scorching heat	Month of spiritual reflection. Muslims observe the third pillar of Islam obligatory fast.
Shawwal	Carry or lift	Celebration of Eid ul-Fitr Fasting the six days of Shawwal
Dhul Qi’dah	The one for sitting	Traditionally a time when business activity slowed in Arabia
Dhul Hijjah	The one for pilgrimage	The pilgrimage to Mecca takes place in this month (Hajj).One of the four sacred months. Fighting is forbidden.

Why do we fast during Ramadan?

Fasting (sawm) the month of Ramadan is the third pillar of Islam and an obligation in Islam. Fasting is obligatory for every able, sane & adult Muslim. The purpose of fasting is to attain Taqwa (consciousness of God). Allah ﷻ says:

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may attain Taqwa.
(Quran 2:183)

The linguistic meaning of Taqwa is “a shield or protective barrier”. It is to protect oneself from what angers Allah ﷻ. Taqwa also means doing that which Allah ﷻ has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.

Fasting is multidimensional, in which the physical is interrelated to the spiritual. Fasting (the physical act of refraining from anything entering the body) illuminates the spiritual. By refraining from the physical we exercise the spiritual heart. Struggling against one’s desires of eating, drinking & marital relations strengthens the heart and allows one to attain a heightened awareness of God (taqwa).

Fasting promotes patience, discipline and increases the purity of the mind and righteous conduct.

When is Ramadan?

The first and last dates of Ramadan are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar. The moon is used to determine the start of Ramadan. The entering of each month is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which likewise signifies the ending of the previous month.

The Prophet ﷺ said: Do not fast (for Ramadan) before the coming of the month until you sight the moon or complete the number (of thirty days); then fast until you sight the moon or complete the number (of thirty days).
(Sahih Bukhari)

Depending on the sighting of the moon, Ramadan is expected to begin on either 2 April or 3 April 2022.

How long is Ramadan?

As mentioned, Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon, and ends with the sighting of the new moon. This cycle is either 29 or 30 days.

Each day Muslims will fast from Sunrise to Sunset, which may vary from region to region. In 2022, Muslims in Sydney, Australia will fast from approximately 5.46AM to 6.50PM in the opening days of Ramadan. Muslims in Istanbul however, will fast from 5.10AM to 7.38PM.

When can you eat during Ramadan?

Muslims observe fast from the break of dawn to sunset. This means that nothing is to enter the body during that period of time. This includes food, water and smoking. Muslims must also abstain from marital relations however affection for one’s spouse such as hugging is permitted.

Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated: “The Prophet ﷺ would kiss and caress his wives while he ﷺ was fasting in Ramadan ―however, he was more able to control his desires than you.”
Sahih Muslim

Hugging is comparable to kissing. However, it is cautioned to abstain from such acts if one finds themselves unable to control their desire if such acts inadvertently lead to invalidating the fasts.

Muslims break their fast at Sunset, and this meal is known as iftar. It is encouraged for Muslims to eat directly after sunset and not delay the iftar. Muslims around the world open their iftar with dates & water, in line with the Prophetic tradition. It is also encouraged for Muslims to provide meals to other Muslims breaking their fast. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said

“Whoever helps break the fast of a fasting person, he will have the same reward as him without decreasing anything from the reward of the fasting person.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhī)

Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) is a time in which Muslims eat a light meal before they begin the fast i.e. before sunset. Eating Suhoor is an act that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed, and is encouraged that Muslims emulate.

When does Ramadan end?

The end of Ramadan is determined by the first sighting of the new moon. The first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims celebrate the completion of Ramadan with the festival of Eid ul-Fitr which is the first day of Shawwal.

As mentioned, Ramadan is either 29 or 30 days. Depending on the sighting of the moon at the beginning & end of Ramadan, in 2022, it is expected that Ramadan will end between 1 May to 3 May 2022.

When is Eid?

Eid ul-Fitr which literally means “the festival of breaking the fast” occurs at the conclusion of Ramadan. Eid ul-Fitr is the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of Ramadan, which is 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the holy month.

During Ramadan, it is forbidden for Muslims to eat during the day, however on the first day of Eid it is forbidden for Muslims to fast, as it is a day of celebration and festivity for Muslims. The day commences with a congregational Eid Prayer after Sunrise, after which Muslims will then gather with their family & friends to celebrate with food & gifts.

How to fast Ramadan. What are the rules of fasting?

One must first make an intention to fast. The obligation of fasting is to then refrain from eating, drinking and marital relations from the break of dawn to sunset. Anything entering the body (including inhaling smoking, medication etc) will nullify the fast.

The Prophetic practice (sunnah) is to have a light meal pre-dawn Suhoor then begin the fast (fajr). Muslims break their fast at sunset (maghrib prayer) as soon as they hear the call to prayer (athan). Through the teachings of the sunnah, it is recommended to break the fast on dates/water, then proceed with the meal which is referred to as Iftar.

What breaks my fast?

That which breaks the fast can be divided into two categories. The first is that which is ingested and the second category is actions that lead to the bodily fluid being expelled from the body.

The first category (that which is ingested) include eating, drinking, medicine, injection, pills, transfusions. Also, kidney dialysis; where blood is recycled back and put into the body.

The second category which will break the fast include, sexual intercourse, masturbation, menstruation, vomiting (deliberately), postnatal bleeding. Note, there is a difference of opinion with cupping and blood donation.

In regards to menstruation, it is not permitted for a woman to fast during the days she is menstruating. However, she is obliged to fast those missed days after Ramadan.

This is a general guide. For specific circumstances please consult your local trusted Islamic scholar.

What if I accidentally break my fast during Ramadan?

If one sincerely forgot and accidentally ate or drank out of forgetfulness the fast is not broken. One will continue the fast and it does not require that fast to be repeated.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever eats out of forgetfulness while fasting, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah Who has fed him and given him to drink.”
Sunan Ibn Majah (Sahih)

However, eating and drinking intentionally will break the fast. As soon as you are conscious that you are fasting and you swallow a morsel of food, the fast is then void.

Can I take prescription medication during Ramadan?

During the prescribed fasting period (break of dawn to sunset) it is NOT permitted to take medication. If one has chronic sickness (an illness that persists for a long time) then there are requirements to be met.

In this case, out of the mercy of Allah ﷻ , if the Muslim is ill and cannot fast they then have an expiation (Kaffarah); they pay an expiation for that day they did not fast. Definition of Kaffaraah means “atonement” or “expiation” and applies to one who deliberately breaks his fast during the fasting period.

For the one who is temporarily sick, they are permitted to break the fast of that day if they are in need of medication. If they are aware the sickness is going to harm them then they have the permission to abstain from fasting that day. After the month of Ramadan, they simply make up the fasting day they missed.

This is a general guide. For specific circumstances please consult your local trusted Islamic scholar.

If I’m sick do I have to fast during Ramadan?

Sickness is of two types. Chronic sickness and temporary sickness.

Chronic illness is a disease that persists for a long time. In this case, out of the Allah الله سبحانه وتعال mercy, due to the illness the Muslim cannot fast hence they have a Kaffarah; they pay an expiation for that day they did not fast.

For the one who has a temporary sickness, they are permitted to break the fast of that day if they are in need of medication. If they are aware the sickness is going to harm them then they have the permission to abstain from fasting that day. After the month of Ramadan, they simply make up the fasting day they missed.

This is a general guide. For specific circumstances please consult your local trusted Islamic scholar.

How should I spend my time during Ramadan?

If Allah ﷻ has blessed His servant with the opportunity to experience another Ramadan then one must seize the opportunity.

Ramadan is our protective shield from the fire of hell.

Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah ﷻ said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.’ Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins…
(Bukhari)

Every night Allah ﷻ releases people that are deserving of Hellfire. Allah will allow the 8 gates of Paradise (Jannah) to open and He will order Jannah to beautify itself. He will lock the gates of Hellfire (Jahannam). Hence, this month is of great significance to the believer.

The Prophet ﷺ said “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are fettered.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

To best utilise our precious time in Ramadan is to increase that which Allah الله سبحانه وتعال has already made obligatory. This includes increasing one’s voluntary prayer, daily supplications, increasing remembrance of God (dhikr), charity (sadaqa), exhibiting good character and reciting the Holy Quran.

Abstain from any acts that will take away from the spirituality of Ramadan. This can include sleeping long hours during the day. Let us not waste our time with frivolous pursuits, such as foolish talk and actions that are not beneficial.

What are the best acts to do during Ramadan?

Ramadan is a treasure that one must seek. We attain its blessings by increasing in that which Allah ﷻ and His Prophet ﷺ have already guided us to perform. This includes increasing our prayers such as Taraweeh and Tahajud, engaging in daily supplications (dua), becoming more generous through our charity (sadaqah) and displaying kindness and good treatment to our fellow humans (Ikram).

Ramadan is the month of the Quran, an opportunity for Muslims to reconnect and intensify their devotion to the Holy book and also to reflect on His words of guidance. Over the course of Ramadan, the entire Quran is commonly recited in the night congregational prayers (Taraweeh).

Allah states in the Quran:

Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment [so that mankind will distinguish right from wrong].
(Quran 2:185)

There are many lessons to learn in the holy month. We come to the realisation that if we are able to voluntarily resist the necessities of life (such as food and water) for Him, then Allah ﷻ is teaching us that we have the strength in us to obey Him throughout the year. Ramadan is our training ground and our spiritual recharge to allow us to weather the obstacles throughout the rest of the year.

Other acts, which are considered Sunnan of Ramadan include the following:

To improve ones relations with family & relatives
To spend periods of spiritual retreat (itikaf) in the mosque, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan
To break the fast of others after sunset, even if only with water
To eat suhur (a predawn meal), even if it is slight or consists of water alone
To hasten to break the fast when maghrib has entered. It is recommended to say after doing so, “O Allah, for You I fasted, and upon your bounty I have broken the fast”.

How much Quran should I read during Ramadan?

Ramadan is the month of the Quran; an opportunity for Muslims to reconnect and intensify their devotion to the Quran and also to reflect on His words of guidance. Over the course of the month, the entire Quran is commonly recited in the night congregational prayers (Taraweeh).

Allah ﷻ states in the Quran:

Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment [so that mankind will distinguish right from wrong].”
(Quran 2:185)

Regardless of one’s proficiency with the Holy book, it is essential to use this month as a time to reconnect through recitation, memorisation and reflecting upon its meaning (Tafseer).

Often it can be discouraging to recite Quran when you are struggling with correct pronunciation (tajweed). We find comfort in the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ in which he ﷺ states, ‘The one who is proficient with the recitation of the Quran will be with the noble and righteous scribes (angels).’ Then he ﷺ spoke of those who struggle with reciting fluently and with ease ‘the one who recites the Quran and stumbles over it and struggles with it, will have two times the reward of that person who is ‘kiram al barra’. So the one who finds difficulty in their recitation will have their station and reward be doubled.

Recite the Quran as much as as you can during Ramadan. If you are able to complete it once, then do so. If you can complete it twice, then do so. If you can complete it more, then do so.

What to avoid during fasting in Ramadan?

The sacred month of Ramadan is a gift to the Ummah and must be taken with great importance. Abstain from any action that displeases Allah ﷻ.

To extract the best out of the holy month, here are some things to avoid:

Over-eating during iftar. It can be tempting to over-eat during Iftar, but this can lead to serious health issues and lethargy, hindering one’s ability to worship optimally.
Losing your temper. The Prophet ﷺ said:

Fast is a shield; when one of you is fasting, he should neither behave in an obscene manner nor foolishly. If a man fights or abuses him, he should say: I am fasting, I am fasting.
(Sunan Abi Dawud)

Foolish talk. Foolish talk often leads to backbiting and takes away the spirituality from Ramadan.
Lavish Iftar parties. Following the Prophetic sunnah of eating light and redirecting your focus on worship. Often these large iftar gatherings can leave one exhausted and unable to channel their energy into worship.

What is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power) was the night in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Laylatul Qadr is the most significant night of the entire Islamic year. Hence, good deeds that are performed on this night are more powerful and weighty than any other night of the year. Laylatul Qadr is also referred to as the Night of Decree, in which all the affairs of the creation are decreed and will manifest in the coming year.

A magnificent number of angels descend from the sky, numbering ‘more than pebbles on the earth’ in the presence of worshippers during this sacred night.

It is of great importance to seek dua and forgiveness in Laylatul Qadr as this night has the great possibility to have one’s prayers answered/decreed.

It was narrated from Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said:

“O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication if I come upon Laylatul-Qadr?” He ﷺ said: “Say: ‘Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).'”
Sunan Ibn Majah (Sahih)

Laylatul Qadr is a gift from Allah ﷻ, an opportunity to attain a lifetime of the reward of worship in a single night.

When is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power) is annually observed by Muslims in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan. The last ten nights contain a night that is so colossal that it is better than a thousand months (83 and half years) of worship.

The Prophet ﷺ used to stay up and pray on Laylatul Qadr,

Prophet ﷺ said “Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Laylatul Qadr out of Iman and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven.”
(Bukhari)

According to ahadith, Laytatul Qadr is on the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan. It may be on the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, or twenty-ninth.

Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated:

“Prophet ﷺ used to practice Itikaaf in the last ten nights and say: ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan.”
(Bukhari)

Laylatul Qadr is popularly assumed to be on the 27th night. However, there is no consensus on this and so it is best to follow the advice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of Ramadan.

Why do we have to pay Zakat?

What is Zakat?

Zakat (compulsory charity) is the third pillar of Islam and a Divine order that must be given annually. Zakat literally means “that which purifies”. Zakat is considered a way to purify one’s income and wealth.

Zakat is an obligation for Muslims who earn above a certain threshold. Zakat must not be confused with Sadaqah (the act of voluntarily giving charitable gifts out of kindness or generosity). Rather, zakat is a compulsory procedure of charity amounting to 2.5% of a Muslim’s annual savings.

Zakat is an independent pillar of Islam and not related to Ramadan.

Societal Benefits of Zakat

The institution of Zakat is a comprehensive system aimed to benefit every single member of the community. Often financial injustice can manifest itself into violent societies with increased crime. The aim of zakat is to lift communities out of poverty and serves to bring an equilibrium to society. Hence, producing a more stable ummah. Zakat is also a means of purification of wealth and increase in blessings.

Who is eligible to pay Zakat?

Conditions that make it mandatory to pay zakat: The first condition is an adult Muslim of sound mind. Second, have possessed the minimum amount of wealth (Nisab) for one lunar year.

Zakat is not only paid on monetary wealth but also on other types of wealth, such as

Gold and silver
Cash held at home or in bank accounts
Stocks and shares owned either directly or through investment funds
Money lent to others
Business stock in trade and merchandise
Agricultural produce
Livestock animals such as cows, goats and sheep
Pensions
Property owned for investment purposes

This is a general guide. For specific circumstances please consult your local trusted Islamic scholar.

Who is eligible to receive Zakat?

There are 8 categories of people that receive Zakat:

1. The poor (al-fuqarâ’)

2. The needy (al-masâkîn)

3. Zakat administrators

4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled, meaning new Muslims and friends of the Muslim community.

5. Those in bondage (slaves and captives.)

6. The debt-ridden.

7. In the cause of God.

8. The wayfarer, meaning those who are stranded or travelling with few resources.

Zakat Al-Mal	Zakat Al-Fitr
Relation to saved wealth Must be paid when the savings reach the prescribed nisabPaid any time of year as long as the nisab remains in one’s possession for one year.The amount given: 2.5 % of one’s wealth	Paid by the head of household on behalf of family Must be paid by the person who has enough food for one day (no fixed nisab) Paid on the eve of Eid ul-Fitr.The amount given: two qadahs (an old measure) of rice or wheat or other usual food known in the area or their equivalent

Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them, and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
(Quran 9.103)

Scholars in Islam say that zakat is the next most important pillar after the prayer (salaat), being the third most important pillar in Islam.

Allah ﷻ states that a believer will not reach piety until they spend out of that which they love. Giving what you value to something that is greater. That takes a level of piety.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity does not diminish wealth, Allah does not increase a man in anything for his pardoning (others) but in honour, and none humbles himself for Allah but Allah raises him.”
(Sahih Muslim)

An exemplification of one’s faith is when they give of their wealth for the sake of God. As the hadith illustrates Allah الله سبحانه وتعال will increase the believer (tangible or intangible) when one gives to others and He swt places blessings (baraka) in one’s wealth. So ultimately we give zakat for obedience to Allahالله سبحانه وتعال and believe with conviction that it will be returned and rewarded.

Do I have to pray Taraweeh during Ramadan?

Taraweeh prayer is not an obligation; rather, it is a confirmed Prophetic practice (sunnah). Nonetheless, a Muslim should not deprive himself of the virtues of the great Sunnah in Ramadan because it is only a Sunnah and not an obligation.

Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated that once the Prophet ﷺ prayed (the night prayer) in the mosque and some people prayed behind him, then he prayed the second day, and many people prayed behind him, then the people gathered to pray with him the third or fourth night, and the Prophet ﷺ did not go out to pray with them. In the morning, the Prophet ﷺ told them: ”I know what you did [gathering for the prayer] and nothing prevented me from coming out to you except that I feared that it would become an obligation on you.”; and this was during Ramadan.”
(Bukhari)

The Prophet ﷺ used to urge the people to pray night prayers in Ramadan without him authoritatively ordering them to do so.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever stands at night prayer in Ramadan while believing in Allah Who prescribed it and while seeking its reward from Him, will have his past sins forgiven.”
(Muslim)

Hence, the significance of performing Taraweeh prayer.

What is the Sunnah of fasting?

The Prophet ﷺ may have passed on but his ﷺ mercy continues to be present in our lives. The mercy remains in those who follow his ﷺ sunnah. The greatest means of attracting the mercy of Allahالله سبحانه وتعال is to the degree to which one follows the sunnah.

So what is the sunnah of fasting?

Generosity

Abdullah bin ‘Abbas used to say: “The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was most generous in Ramadan when Jibril met him. Jibril use to meet him every night during the month of Ramadan and study Quran with him.” And he said: “When Jibril met him, the Messenger of Allah was more generous in doing good than the blowing wind.
(Sunan An Nasa’i)

Break your fast on dates and water

Narrated by Anas ibn Malik (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ used to break his fast before praying with some fresh dates; but if there were no fresh dates, he had a few dry dates, and if there were no dry dates, he took some mouthfuls of water.

(Sunan Abi Dawud)

Breaking fast immediately after hearing maghrib adhan (call to prayer)

The Prophet ﷺ said: The people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast.
(Sahih Muslim)

Waking up for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)

The Prophet ﷺ said: Take meal a little before dawn, for there is a blessing in taking meal at that time.
(Bukhari)

Praying Taraweeh

Abu Hurairah r.a. reported: The Prophet ﷺ used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Taraweeh) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He ﷺ did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He ﷺ said, “Whosoever performs (optional Taraweeh) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with faith and in the hope of receiving Allah ﷻ reward, will have his past sins forgiven.”
(Muslim)

Abstain from anger

The Prophet ﷺ said Allah الله سبحانه وتعال said: …When any one of you is fasting on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language, nor raise the voice; or if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: I am a person fasting…
(Muslim)

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