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Religious Studies & Theology vocabulary · Worship and Ritual

Ramadan

Meaning in religious studies & theology, with examples

/ˈræmədæn/nounCore term

In religious studies & theology, Ramadan means: The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and give special attention to prayer, charity and reading the Qur'an.

In Turkish: ramazan, ramazan ayı

How it is used

Always capitalized in English. Common phrases: during Ramadan, the month of Ramadan, Ramadan fasting, Ramadan Mubarak (a greeting). It ends with Eid al-Fitr, known in Turkey as Ramazan Bayramı or Şeker Bayramı.

Example sentences

  1. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan begins about eleven days earlier each year.

  2. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, a festival of prayer, family visits and gifts.

Common collocations

  • during Ramadan
  • the month of Ramadan
  • Ramadan fasting
  • the end of Ramadan
  • Ramadan Mubarak
  • fastingGoing without food, drink or certain foods for a set period as a religious practice, for example during Ramadan, on Yom Kippur or in Lent.
  • IslamA monotheistic religion that began in seventh-century Arabia with the Prophet Muhammad; Muslims regard the Qur'an as God's word and follow practices such as the Five Pillars.
  • observeTo follow the rules and practices of a religion, or to keep a religious holiday or custom in the expected way.
  • Qur'anThe central sacred text of Islam, which Muslims believe God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in Arabic over about 23 years; it has 114 chapters called suras.

More terms: Worship and Ritual

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