Ramadan is a month-long religious observance celebrated by Muslims where fasting from food and drink is practiced from sunrise to sunset. During this time, Muslims focus on prayer, religious devotion, giving to charity, and reading the Quran. The fast is broken each night with a special meal called iftar shared among family members. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with special services at mosques and celebrations that include dressing in nice clothes and sharing meals together.

2. Ramadan
Ramadan is a very important time for Muslims.
It lasts for 29 or 30 days.
Do it!
Can you count to 30?
Think about 30 days and nights. Do you think that is a long time?

3. Islam
Followers of Islam
are called Muslims.
Muslims believe that
there is one true god
called Allah.
Photo courtesy of Tim Green aka atoach (@flickr.com) - granted under creative commons licence – attribution

4. Ramadan
Ramadan is in the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar.
Muslims believe the Qur’an was
given in this month.
Discuss it! Do you know the names of any other holy books?
The Qur’an is the important
holy book for Muslims.

5. What do Muslims Do during Ramadan?
Muslims try to give up bad habits.
Muslims pray and read the Qur’an.
Discuss it!
Do you have any bad habits which you would like to give up?
Do you think it would be easy or difficult? Why?
Muslims fast from sunrise
to sunset.

6. Fasting
Fasting is one of the most important things that
happens in Ramadan.
Fasting means that Muslims do not eat or drink from
sunrise to sunset.
Discuss it!
Use a clock to show the time of sunrise and sunset at this time
of year. How many hours of daylight are there? Do you think it
would be difficult to fast for these hours? Which times of day
would be hardest?
Young children and very old people do not
have to fast.

7. Iftar
At the end of the day, after sunset, families all eat
together.
This special
meal is called
‘iftar’.
Discuss it!
When do you have a special meal with your family? What
makes it special? What do you like to eat together?
Photo courtesy of raasiel (@flickr.com) - granted under creative commons licence – attribution

8. Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the festival at the end of Ramadan.
It celebrates the end of the 29 or 30 days of fasting.

9. How Do People Celebrate Eid al-Fitr?
There are special services in the mosque.
Muslims dress in their
best clothes.
Muslims have a special
meal with their family.

10. What have you found out about
Ramadan?
Share it!
Tell your talking partner something you can remember about
Ramadan. Share your ideas with the class.