Ramadan Mubarak - Guide to the Holiest Month in Islam
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the most sacred time for Muslims worldwide. Observed through fasting, prayer, and charity, this month commemorates the revelation of the Quran and culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
What to know:
Fasting (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside prayer, charity (Zakat), declaration of faith, and pilgrimage.
Explore practical guidance for supporting those who fast, including meal planning, hydration, and medication adjustments.
People with health conditions should speak with their GP and religious leader to determine if they can fast safely.
"Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan) and "Ramadan Kareem" (Generous Ramadan) are common greetings during this month.
Beyond abstaining from food and drink, fasting builds spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for those in need.
Exemptions from fasting include pregnant women, children, travellers, and people with serious or chronic illnesses.
What is the holy month of Ramadan?
Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, is upon us. It's the most sacred month in Islamic culture.
Determining dates via the lunar cycle
Each year, its dates vary depending on the lunar cycle, beginning with the sighting of the crescent moon. In 2026, Ramadan falls between February 18th and March 19th.
The significance of fasting and Zakat
For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and charity, including Zakat (charitable giving). During this time, you may hear greetings such as "Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan Kareem."
Greetings During Ramadan
"Ramadan Mubarak" is possibly the most recognised greeting for the holy month of Ramadan.
It means either "Blessed Ramadan" or "Happy Ramadan." Another popular greeting is "Ramadan Kareem," meaning "Generous Ramadan."
You pronounce the greeting, "Ram-a-dan Moo-baa-rack." That's with special emphasis on the 'ba-rack' part of the word. The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root "ar- ramaḍ." This means 'scorching heat' or 'dryness'.
The Night of Power and the Quran
Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 AD. The belief is that this happened during Ramadan. Many refer to this event as Laylat Al-Qadar or the "Night of Power." Muslims fast during this month as a way to remember the revelation of the Quran, the Islamic holy book, and to encourage spiritual growth.
Fasting During Ramadan
Fasting between dawn and sunset is expected of adult Muslims who are well enough to fast during Ramadan.
Exemptions from fasting
There are exceptions. These generally include:
Young children
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Women and girls who are menstruating
Anyone travelling long distances
Those who have a serious or acute illness
People with a chronic illness or condition, such as diabetes
Those who don't have the mental capacity to comprehend the reason for the fast
Frail older persons
Many Muslims make up missed fasts later in the year, based on their circumstances and religious guidance.
Daily meals - Suhoor and Iftar
Meals are occasions when Muslims can gather with others in the community and break their fast together. Pre-dawn meal, or suhoor, takes place before Fajr, the first prayer of the day.
The evening meal, iftar, can start once the sunset prayer, Maghreb, is over. Given that Muhammad broke his fast by eating dates and drinking some water, many Muslims eat these fruits at both suhoor and iftar.
Dates are commonly eaten at iftar because they are easy to digest and provide a quick source of energy after a long day of fasting.
When Ramadan Ends
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast. The day usually starts with communal prayers, followed by time with family, food and gift-giving.
They'll also pay their respects to relatives who have died. Some cities put on carnivals and hold a series of large prayer gatherings as well.
Supporting Older Persons During Ramadan
If a person receiving personal care has a health condition and wishes to fast, their support plan may need review. People with health conditions should speak with their GP and religious leader to decide if fasting is safe for them. If a person becomes unwell during Ramadan, they should stop fasting and seek medical advice.
If a person with diabetes wishes to fast, they must speak to their GP or diabetes nurse before Ramadan. There are exemptions for people with diabetes, especially those on insulin or who have any medical complications.
Supporting Someone's Ramadan Observance
A person you support has diabetes and wants to fast during Ramadan. You want to respect their wishes while keeping medication timing, hydration and their health needs in view.
Managing medical appointments and medication
If a person has a medical appointment booked during Ramadan, they should still plan to attend. If they need to adjust the time, they should contact the relevant healthcare organisation to do so.
It will be important to continue taking medicine safely during Ramadan. Those who are fasting should check with their pharmacist or GP to see if dose times need to change.
Practical Health Tips for Fasting Safely
Fasting during the month of Ramadan can be as much of a mental exercise in self-discipline as it is a physical one. Many people have their own personal ways to prepare their minds and bodies, but here are some extra tips that can help:
Keeping hydrated
You should encourage someone who is fully participating in Ramadan and fasting to drink several times during the night. It's best to avoid caffeinated drinks as these can keep you alert at the very time you need to sleep. Fizzy drinks can contain large quantities of sugar, and so it's also a good idea to steer clear of these too.
The best advice is to drink plenty of plain water. Breaking a fast at iftar with water is not only traditional, but it ensures intake of the best source of hydration. Smaller amounts of water taken at regular intervals are better than drinking one very large quantity all at once.
Eating healthily
It's best to eat a variety of foods during the evening. The body of someone who has been fasting will be craving plenty of nourishment, so focusing on nutrition for older persons is essential after a day of not eating. Budget permitting, good choices would be:
Whole grains such as brown rice and oats
Plenty of fruit and vegetables
Sources of lean protein, such as chicken or fish
Healthy fats from olive oil and nuts
Protein shakes and high-energy bars can also be useful supplements. It's best to avoid deep-fried food and meals that have high sugar and fat content.
Simple meal ideas before sunrise
Here are some easy combination ideas to go with drinking plenty of water before sunrise:
Oatmeal porridge made using fat-free milk and topped with nuts, seeds and fruit
A portion of whole-grain cereal and low-fat milk, topped with nuts and fruit
Two slices of wholemeal toast, a boiled or poached egg, and a piece of fruit.
A peanut butter sandwich on wholemeal bread with a glass of low-fat milk
A banana, apple, peanut butter and low-fat yoghurt smoothie
A bowl of vegetable soup with two pieces of whole-grain toast
A couscous salad with plenty of vegetables, olive oil and some canned tuna
Eating slowly and mindfully
Although a person will be hungry when fasting, it's best not to overdo it at mealtimes by serving up mega-portions of food. Eating mindfully by taking time to chew food properly and savour the tastes can satisfy hunger more effectively and put less stress on the body.
Planning rest and daily routines
Sleep patterns can change during Ramadan, especially with early rising for suhoor. A steady sleep routine with time for rest, meals and prayer can help a person feel more comfortable throughout the month.
Listening to your body
Different people will react to fasting in different ways. It's important for someone to get to know what works for them and what doesn't. This might mean experimenting with how often and when a person eats to keep their energy up.
A Time to Celebrate!
Despite all the caveats, it's important to remember that Ramadan is a deeply meaningful month in the Muslim calendar.
Those who are fasting may benefit from staying connected, enjoying meals with others, showing goodwill and paying attention to how their body feels.
Comfort Keepers Ireland has plenty more useful articles to help and support our carers. Read more of these here in our blog section.
