Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims around the world. During this month, people fast from dawn to sunset, pray more, give charity, and focus on spiritual growth. It is an important time of reflection and self-discipline.
In this guide, you’ll learn essential Ramadan vocabulary in English, including religious terms, fasting words, important verbs, and common Ramadan greetings. Each word includes a simple definition and example sentence to help you use it correctly.
Basic Ramadan Vocabulary
These are the most common and essential words used when talking about Ramadan.
Ramadan
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
Example: Ramadan is a holy month in Islam.
Fasting
Not eating or drinking for a period of time, usually for religious reasons.
Example: Fasting lasts from dawn to sunset.
Sawm
The Arabic word for fasting in Islam.
Example: Sawm is practiced during Ramadan.
Holy month
A month that is special in a religion.
Example: Ramadan is considered a holy month.
Worship
Religious actions like prayer and reading holy texts.
Example: Ramadan is a time of worship and reflection.
Eid al-Fitr
The festival that marks the end of Ramadan.
Example: Eid al-Fitr is celebrated after Ramadan ends.
Crescent moon
The thin, curved moon shape that can mark the start of Ramadan.
Example: Ramadan begins when the crescent moon is seen.
Lunar calendar
A calendar based on the moon’s phases.
Example: The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar.
Daily Fasting Vocabulary
These words are commonly used to talk about daily fasting during Ramadan.
Suhoor
The meal eaten before dawn.
Example: She woke up early for Suhoor.
Pre-dawn meal
Another way to say Suhoor.
Example: A pre-dawn meal helps you prepare for fasting.
Iftar
The meal eaten at sunset to break the fast.
Example: Families gather for Iftar every evening.
Dates
A sweet fruit often eaten at Iftar.
Example: Many people eat dates to break the fast.
Dawn
The time when the sun begins to rise.
Example: The fast starts at dawn.
Sunrise
When the sun appears in the morning.
Example: He finished eating before sunrise.
Sunset
The time when the sun goes down.
Example: Muslims break their fast at sunset.
Fasting hours
The hours when eating and drinking are not allowed.
Example: Fasting hours can be long in summer.
Religious Vocabulary for Ramadan
These words are commonly used when talking about prayer and religious practices during Ramadan.
Quran
The holy book of Islam.
Example: Many Muslims read the Quran during Ramadan.
Recitation
Reading something aloud, often in a formal way.
Example: Quran recitation is common in Ramadan.
Prayer
Speaking to God in worship.
Example: People increase prayer during Ramadan.
Dua
A personal prayer or request to God.
Example: She made dua for her family.
Mosque
A place where Muslims pray.
Example: The mosque is crowded during Ramadan nights.
Taraweeh
Special night prayers performed in Ramadan.
Example: They went to the mosque for Taraweeh.
Laylat al-Qadr
The Night of Power in the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Example: Many people pray more during Laylat al-Qadr.
Revelation
When something is revealed or made known, especially holy messages.
Example: Muslims believe the Quran’s revelation began in Ramadan.
Five Pillars of Islam
The five main religious duties in Islam.
Example: Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Charity Vocabulary in Ramadan
These words are commonly used when talking about charity and helping others during Ramadan.
Charity
Giving money, food, or help to people in need.
Example: Charity increases during Ramadan.
Zakat
An obligatory form of charity in Islam.
Example: Muslims give Zakat to support the poor.
Zakat al-Fitr
A special charity given before Eid al-Fitr.
Example: Zakat al-Fitr is given before Eid prayers.
Donation
Money or goods given to help others.
Example: He made a donation during Ramadan.
Community meal
A shared meal for many people.
Example: The mosque hosted a community meal for Iftar.
Important Ramadan Verbs
These verbs are commonly used when talking about Ramadan and fasting.
To fast
To avoid eating and drinking for religious reasons.
Example: Muslims fast during Ramadan.
To break the fast
To eat or drink at sunset after fasting.
Example: They break the fast with dates and water.
To abstain
To avoid something.
Example: People abstain from food and drink during fasting hours.
To pray
To perform prayer or speak to God.
Example: Many Muslims pray more during Ramadan.
To recite
To read aloud, often from memory.
Example: He recited a short chapter from the Quran.
To reflect
To think deeply about something.
Example: Ramadan is a time to reflect on your life.
To repent
To feel sorry for wrongdoing and ask for forgiveness.
Example: Ramadan is a time to repent and change.
To donate
To give money or goods to help others.
Example: He donated to a charity.
Spiritual Vocabulary for Ramadan
These words describe the spiritual values and personal qualities encouraged during Ramadan.
Self-discipline
The ability to control your actions.
Example: Fasting teaches self-discipline.
Good deeds
Good actions that please God, such as helping others, giving charity, and being kind.
Example: Muslims try to increase their good deeds during Ramadan.
Patience
The ability to stay calm while waiting.
Example: Ramadan helps build patience.
Gratitude
A feeling of thankfulness.
Example: Fasting increases gratitude.
Compassion
A strong feeling of care for others.
Example: Ramadan encourages compassion.
Generosity
Willingness to give and share.
Example: Generosity is common in Ramadan.
Forgiveness
The act of forgiving someone.
Example: Forgiveness is encouraged during Ramadan.
Spiritual growth
Improvement in faith and character.
Example: Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth.
Common Ramadan Greetings
These are common greetings and phrases people use during Ramadan and Eid.
Ramadan Mubarak
A greeting that means “Blessed Ramadan” and is used at the beginning of the month.
Example: People say “Ramadan Mubarak” at the start of the month.
Ramadan Kareem
A greeting that means “Generous Ramadan” and wishes blessings during the month.
Example: You may hear “Ramadan Kareem” during Ramadan.
Eid Mubarak
A greeting used to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
Example: Families say “Eid Mubarak” on Eid morning.
Have a blessed Ramadan
A polite English greeting for Ramadan.
Example: Have a blessed Ramadan to you and your family.
Wishing you a peaceful Ramadan
A friendly Ramadan wish in English.
Example: Wishing you a peaceful Ramadan.
Ramadan Vocabulary FAQs
What does Ramadan mean in English?
Ramadan comes from Arabic and is connected to the idea of intense heat, but in Islam it refers to the holy month of fasting.
What does Ramadan Mubarak mean?
“Ramadan Mubarak” means “Blessed Ramadan.” It is a greeting people use at the beginning of Ramadan to wish others a blessed and peaceful month.
What is the difference between Suhoor and Iftar?
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins, and Iftar is the evening meal at sunset to break the fast.
What does Sawm mean?
Sawm is the Arabic word for fasting. It means not eating or drinking from dawn until sunset during Ramadan.
What is Taraweeh in Ramadan?
Taraweeh is a special night prayer performed during Ramadan. Many Muslims go to the mosque in the evening to perform Taraweeh after the daily night prayer.
How do you greet someone during Ramadan?
You can greet someone by saying “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem.” At the end of Ramadan, people say “Eid Mubarak” to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
What is the difference between Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem?
Both are greetings used during Ramadan. “Ramadan Mubarak” means “Blessed Ramadan,” while “Ramadan Kareem” means “Generous Ramadan.” Both wish blessings for the holy month, and people often use them in the same way.
What does Zakat al-Fitr mean?
Zakat al-Fitr is a special form of charity given before Eid al-Fitr. It is given to help people in need so they can also celebrate Eid.
