Useful Arabic Phrases To Learn For Ramadan

Every year, Muslims around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan. Observing Ramadan is one of the fundamental Five Pillars of Islam. During this time, Muslims not only fast but also devote more time to prayer and charity, strengthening their relationship with Allah.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a time for fasting, worship, and spiritual development. Fasting begins and ends when the crescent moon appears.

Muslims fast from dawn to sunset throughout the month of Ramadan. Right before dawn, a small meal called suhur is eaten. At sunset, the fast is broken with prayer and iftar, an evening meal usually shared with friends and family.

The Logistics of the Holy Month

Ramadan typically lasts for 29 to 30 days. Because it follows the lunar calendar, it moves 10 to 12 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.

Ramadan Greetings and Vocabulary

• Ramadan Kareem (رَمَضان كَريم): Wishing you a generous Ramadan
• Ramadan Mubarak (رَمَضان مُبارَك): Wishing you a blessed Ramadan
• Taqabbal Allahu (تقبل الله): May God accept your prayers or fasting
• Mubarak ‘alaikum al-shahr (مباركٌ عليكم الشّهر): Blessed be the month upon you
• Eid Mubarak (عيد مُبارَك): Wishing you a blessed Eid celebration
• Iftar (إفْطار): The meal eaten after sunset to break the fast
• Kullu ‘am wa antum bi-khayr (كل عام وأنتم بخير): May every year find you in good health
• Eid al-Fitr (عيدُ الفِطْر): The festival marking the end of Ramadan
• Jumʻah Mubarakah (جُمْعَة مُبارَكَة): Blessed Friday
• Tarawih (تَراويح): Special evening prayers recited during Ramadan
• Suhour (سُحور): The pre-dawn meal before the fast begins
• Tamr (تَمْر): Ripened dates, traditionally used to break the fast
• Jallab (جَلّاب): A popular fruit syrup drink made from dates and rose water