During the holy month of Ramadan, observing Muslims fast during daylight hours and demonstrate acts of charity.
If you are not familiar with Ramadan or the Islam religion, we have put together some of the key words that you will hear around this time, and what they mean.
Ramadan Kareem & Ramadan Mubarak
You will hear two phrases around Ramadan, Ramadan Kareen and Ramadan Mubarak. Which do you use?
Ramadan Kareem means “generous Ramadan.”
Ramadan Mubarak is another way to greet people and wish them a happy Ramadan. Translated it means, “Congratulations, it’s Ramadan.”
Both are a suitable greeting during Ramadan.
Iftar
When the fast is broken at sunset, this meal is called the Iftar. It means “breakfast.”
Suhoor
Before the fest begins each day, Muslims have the final meal before sunrise called Suhoor. This is eaten at pre-dawn.
Sawm
This is the word that is used for fasting. It is also one of the five pillars of Islam.
Zakat
This is another of the five pillars of Islam and it requires that an adult Muslim pays 2.5% of their wealth to those in need. Muslims can pay this at any time of the year, but it is much more prominent during Ramadan, and it is then when you may hear this word most often.
Salah
This means prayer, another of the five pillars of Islam. There are 5 observed prayer times each day starting with the first at dawn, then one at noon, mid-afternoon, at sunset and then again at night.
Taraweeh
During Ramadan, special congregational prayers are held each evening in addition to the 5 daily prayers. This is called Taraweeh.
Oyam
This is the name of another optional prayer which is performed late at night or in the early hours of the morning before Fajr.
Masjid
This is the Arabic word for Mosque, which is where Muslims pray together.
Eid-al-Fitr
This is the name of the first Muslim holiday after the month of Ramadan ends. It is often a public holiday.
Eid-al-Adha
This is the second Muslim holiday which is at the end of the Hajj (see below) season.
Hajj
All Muslims that are financially and physically able, are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. This pilgrimage takes place in the last month of the Muslim calendar. It is the fifth pillar of Islam.
