Observation of Ramadan (Cambridge International IGCSE Religious Studies)

Religious reasons for observing Ramadan

Origins of Ramadan

• Ramadan was the month in which the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power)
• Fasting during this month was commanded by Allah in the Qur’an, making it an act of worship and obedience:

blockquote “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of Allah.” (Qur’an 2:183)

• Because fasting was also a practice of earlier prophets, it links Muslims with previous religious traditions and reminds them of their own religious history

Purpose of Ramadan

• Fasting and fulfilling sawm during Ramadan is a demonstration of taqwa (God-consciousness) and submission to Allah’s will
• The fast is an opportunity for spiritual growth, repentance and personal transformation
• It encourages Muslims to reflect on their behaviour, seek forgiveness for past sins and renew their intention to live according to Islamic values
• It also teaches self-discipline, patience and gratitude for what they have been given
• Fasting is an act of worship that helps individuals grow closer to Allah

Symbolism of Ramadan

• Going without food, drink and other comforts helps Muslims understand the suffering of the poor, creating empathy and encouraging acts of charity

• Abstaining from bad behaviour symbolises a cleansing of the soul

  • Ramadan is seen as good preparation for a fresh start and a renewed commitment to faith

• The fast is symbolic of a Muslim’s willingness to give up desires for the sake of Allah, reflecting true submission

• Ramadan is a sacred time when believers focus on worship of Allah, including prayer, reciting the Qur’an and performing good deeds

Social reasons for observing Ramadan

• Ramadan strengthens the Ummah

  • It unites Muslims across the world: All fast at the same time, creating a powerful sense of unity and shared identity
  • Shared practices, such as fasting, nightly prayers and Iftar meals, bring families and communities together
  • Observing Ramadan builds solidarity within the Ummah (the global Muslim community)

• Ramadan encourages compassion and equality

  • Fasting helps Muslims understand the realities of hunger and poverty, encouraging generosity and concern for others
  • This often leads to increased zakah (obligatory giving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity) during the month
  • Providing for people who are less fortunate ensures that everyone, regardless of wealth, can enjoy the blessings of Ramadan and ‘Id al-Fitr

• Ramadan promotes good character

  • Ramadan is a time to actively avoid anger, gossip, lying and selfishness, which improves behaviour within the whole community
  • This creates a more peaceful and supportive society during Ramadan and beyond

• Ramadan strengthens family ties

  • Families gather daily for Suhur and Iftar meals, often eating together more than at any other time of the year
  • Parents use this time to teach children about Islamic values and the importance of self-restraint and generosity

• Ramadan improves community engagement

  • Mosques hold additional prayer services, Qur’an study groups and Iftar events
  • Muslim charities organise fundraising and food distribution efforts, giving people a chance to actively support others

Different ways Ramadan is observed

Spec point — I4.2j

• All Muslims aim to fast, but the exact practices may vary depending on:

  • Cultural traditions
  • Weather and daylight hours in different countries
  • Access to community or mosque gatherings

• Some Muslims may focus more on Qur’an recitation, while others focus on volunteering or charitable acts

• Shia Muslims fast in the same way as Sunni Muslims but also spend three days during Ramadan mourning the death of Ali

• Some spend the last ten nights in* I’tikaf if they are able

• Many communities aim to collectively complete Khatm al-Qur’an (reading the entire Qur’an) during Ramadan

• Interfaith Iftars in many countries help to build understanding between communities of different faiths

Worked Example State two social benefits of observing Ramadan

[2 marks]

Final answer: Answer:

It brings the Muslim community (Ummah) together in shared fasting and worship [1 mark]

It encourages acts of charity and caring for those in need [1 mark]

Exam Hint Revise this page on the observation of Ramadan alongside the previous page, ‘The Fast of Ramadan’, to ensure you can give a full explanation of why it is observed in this way.