A Brief History of Ramadan

When did Muslims first start observing Ramadan and What is the history of Ramadan? 

Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting in Islam, has been observed by Muslims worldwide for over 14 centuries. In the seventh century, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared that Islam rests on five pillars, with fasting during Ramadan as one of them. 

Today, about 25% of Muslims worldwide fast to honor the month when the holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet. They fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, as part of Sawm, which is the Fourth Pillar of Islam. 

Let’s explore the history of Ramadan and how its traditions have changed over time.

Meaning of Ramadan

Ramadan, meaning ‘intense heat’, originally referred to the scorching summer month it was associated with. This designation was part of the pre-Islamic Arab calendar long before Islam arrived in Mecca, now in Saudi Arabia, in the seventh century.

Ramadan Before Islam

No month carries as much significance for Muslims as Ramadan. This tradition, spanning thousands of years, is deeply embedded in Islam. Before the advent of Islam, Ramadan was already regarded as a significant and sacred month by the Arabs.

During the time of Ramadan, local conflicts and wars would cease, allowing for a period of uninterrupted peace. The more devout individuals would retreat to temples, caves, and other secluded spaces to meditate.

According to Islamic tradition (as recorded in hadiths), Ramadan was also the month in which God revealed the scriptures to Abraham (Ibrahim in Islam), the Torah to Moses (Musa), the Psalms to David (Dawud), and the Gospel to Jesus (Isa).

The First Revelation of Quran

The first revelation of the Quran took place during the month of Ramadan in 610 AD. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had secluded himself in a cave on Mount Hira near Mecca for deep reflection when this momentous event occurred. 

During this time, the Angel Jibril (A.S) appeared to him, revealing the exact words of Allah (SWT) in what would become the Qur’an.

 This initial revelation is especially significant and is known as the "Night of Power.":

History of Fasting in Islam

The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years. The verses instructing Muslims to fast during Ramadan were revealed in the latter part of this period.

For the first 12 years in Mecca, the Muslim minority endured torture and persecution by the Qurayshi tribe, with many losing their lives. 

In 622 AD, the surviving Muslims migrated to Medina, over 300km away. Two years later, verses about fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan were revealed.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established the practices for this holy month in their new place of worship.

The Prophet (PBUH) devoted his life to spreading these teachings. Today, Islam is the world’s second-largest religion, with over one billion followers worldwide.

All Muslims follow the Five Pillars and observe Ramadan, a key part of their faith to honor Sawm, despite the various sects within Islam.

The concept of fasting was also known to the pre-Islamic Arabs, as referenced in the Quran:

Suhoor and Iftar in Times of Prophet (PBUH)

The early Muslim community would rise for the pre-dawn meal, known as suhoor, and then fast until sunset, abstaining from eating, drinking, and marital relations. They would break their fast (iftar) typically with dates.

Fasting was not just about abstaining from food and drink but also about spiritual discipline, enhanced worship, and improving behavior. 

Start of Taraweeh Prayer

In the later years of his life, Prophet Muhammad began performing additional night prayers during Ramadan called taraweeh. He was concerned that people might believe the prayers were mandatory. So, he chose to pray privately at home rather than in the mosque with others.

Ten years after his passing, Caliph Umar noticed Muslims praying taraweeh in small groups around the mosque. To unify their worship, he established a congregational prayer. This has become a key feature of Ramadan, during which the entire Quran is recited.

Ramadan in the Early Islamic Caliphates

As Islam expanded, the practice of Ramadan evolved across different Caliphates while retaining its core principles.

Rashidun Caliphate: Preserving Early Traditions

• Companions of Prophet Muhammad upheld the simplicity and spiritual focus of Ramadan.
• Emphasis on fasting, communal prayers, charity, Quranic recitation, and reflection.

Umayyad Caliphate: Flourishing Traditions

• Significant expansion introduced new cultures and traditions.
• Formalization of Taraweeh prayers and introduction of Ramadan lanterns.
• Diverse culinary traditions enriched Iftar and Suhoor.

Abbasid Caliphate: Intellectual and Spiritual Revival

• Golden Age of Islam with advancements in science, literature, and philosophy.
• Scholars and poets gathered during Ramadan for discussions.
• Establishment of Muktadirs, public iftars, fostering community and solidarity.

Legacy and Continuation

• Ramadan’s essence—fasting, prayer, Sadaqah, and Zakat—remained constant.
• The celebration of Ramadan would later be enriched in the Ottoman Empire, further deepening Islamic traditions.

Ramadan After Islamic Caliphates

Since 624, the main rituals of Ramadan have stayed the same, but the growth of Islam worldwide has brought diverse experiences to the month.

• During the Ottoman era in Turkey, drummers were used to wake people for the pre-dawn meal.
• In Morocco, a town crier known as a Nafar would roam the streets in traditional robes and slippers, using a horn or trumpet to alert the community.
• Similar Ramadan callers were present in Syria, Tunisia, and Algeria.
• In Egypt, the Ramadan lantern, or Fanoos, which likely originated during the Fatimid dynasty, symbolizes the spiritual light and blessings of Ramadan and is used to decorate homes, shops, and streets.
• Egypt is also known for the ‘iftar cannon’ tradition, where a cannon is fired to signal the time to break the fast.
• This tradition began around 200 years ago, possibly during the Mamluk period in the 15th Century when a sultan accidentally fired a cannon at sunset. Locals thought it was a signal to break their fast, and the sultan made it a daily Ramadan practice.

In conclusion, Ramadan, a profound period of fasting and spiritual reflection, originated in the 7th century. It has since evolved into a global tradition embraced by 1.8 billion Muslims today. 

From its initial practice by a small group of early Muslims, Ramadan has grown into a vibrant celebration across diverse cultures. The history of Ramadan highlights its enduring significance as a time of deep religious importance and communal unity.

The important rituals and cultural expressions that have grown over many years show the significance of this sacred month. They reveal both the consistent nature of its practices and the diverse ways people celebrate it around the world.

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