UAE | Heritage and Culture

A guide to Ramadan terms

The following are the glossary of terms used pertaining to the period of Ramadan, which begins on Thursday, September 13.

  • Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:29 September 12, 2007
  • Gulf News

Ramadan: The ninth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar.

Sawm: The Arabic word for fast.

Iftar: Breaking of the fast immediately after sunset. Iftar takes place at Maghrib as soon as the Call to Prayer (Adhan).

Suhoor :The pre-fast meal before dawn.

Eid Al Fitr: Three-day festival marking the end of Ramadan. It takes place on the 1st of Shawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

Fidya: Compensation for missing a fast, for those unable to, or wrongly practicing it. Fidya usually takes the form of donating money, foodstuffs, or sacrificing an animal. Contrast with Kaffara (making amends).

Zakat: Stands for purification; Muslims give up a portion of wealth in excess of what is needed for sustenance to "purify" or legitimise what they retain.

Zakat Al Fitr: The contribution given at the end of Ramadan.

Eid Mubarak: Greeting meaning "Have a happy and blessed Eid" expressed at the end of Ramadan.

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