Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about Ramadan:
Timing and Duration
Ramadan begins and ends based on the sighting of the crescent moon. It lasts 29 or 30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset each day of the month. The Quran says in 2:185, “The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.”
Fasting
Fasting from food, drink, and other physical needs and desires from dawn to sunset is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Quran says in 2:183, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” Fasting is meant to purify the soul and build self-control, bring one closer to God, and cultivate empathy for the less fortunate.
Charity
Giving to charity and those in need is emphasized during Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time.” Charity helps the giver gain spiritual reward and purify the soul.
Community
Muslims often spend time at the mosque during Ramadan, praying together and reading the Quran. Families and communities share meals together at sunset when the fast is broken. The communal nature of worship is characteristic of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad said, “When you are invited to a meal, you should accept the invitation. When you are invited to join a prayer, you should join.”
Spiritual Growth
Ramadan is considered a time of spiritual renewal and seeking closeness to God through self-sacrifice, charity, prayer, and dedication to Islam. Muslims strive to strengthen their faith and practice through increased reading of the Quran, performing extra prayers, and focusing on Islamic virtues. The goal is to carry this renewed spiritual commitment through the rest of the year. As the Quran says in 87:14-15, “Indeed, whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success, and remembers the name of his Lord and prays.”
Night of Power
Muslims believe that the first verses of the Quran were revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan on a night known as Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power). It is considered the holiest night on the Islamic calendar. The Quran says in 97:1-5, “Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.” Muslims spend this night in intense prayer and devotion.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan culminates in a major celebration known as Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” It is a joyous occasion with special prayers, gatherings of family and friends, gift-giving, new clothes, feasting, and charity. Fasting and increased spiritual devotion during Ramadan are believed to earn divine favor so blessings and prayers are offered for the months ahead. As the Quran says in 2:185, “And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.”
History and Origins
The Quran refers to fasting as being required of Muslims as it was of earlier religious communities. Fasting during Ramadan is believed to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE. However, some scholars trace the origins of Ramadan fasting back to pre-Islamic Arabian pagan religious practices of fasting. Early Muslims may have adapted these cultural practices into Islam. The fixed annual calendar and regulated rituals of Ramadan fasting seem to have developed later.
Exegesis
The Bible does not mention Ramadan specifically. However, there are some concepts and principles relating to worship, fasting, charity, and spiritual growth that connect with Biblical themes. Fasting features in both the Old and New Testaments, such as in Exodus 34, Psalm 69, Joel 1, Matthew 6, and Acts 13. It is often associated with mourning, repentance, seeking God’s mercy, and growing closer to Him. As the Bible says in Isaiah 58, fasting should also lead to deeds of justice, charity, and humility. Overall, the Bible emphasizes loving God and loving one’s neighbor, developing virtuous character, and pursuing righteousness above external acts of religious devotion.
Perspective
From a Christian perspective, while the ritual fasting and focus on submission to God during Ramadan can have value for Muslims, the Bible teaches that salvation and a relationship with God come through faith in Jesus Christ, not by one’s own works. Galatians 2:16 says, “We know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” The religious rituals of Ramadan can have meaning, but the Bible teaches that eternal spiritual life is found in Christ alone.
Application
For Muslims, Ramadan represents a spiritual journey of devotion to God. Christians can respect this sacred time for Muslims even if their beliefs differ. They can also identify points of connection – the shared human desires to worship, pursue moral growth, care for the disadvantaged, and develop community. Christians can seek to understand Ramadan as Muslims experience it and engage in thoughtful discussions on the convergences and divergences with Biblical faith.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a major part of Islamic faith and practice centering on fasting, prayer, charity, and community. While originating in Arab pagan culture, it commemorates the revelation of the Quran and is seen as a time of spiritual renewal. The Bible does not mention Ramadan specifically but shares some themes of worship, fasting, and ethical living. Christians can gain understanding of this sacred month for Muslims while also sharing the biblical message of salvation by grace through Christ. Thoughtful interfaith dialogue and service bring mutual understanding and the hope of peace.