What Is Ramadan? A Simple Guide for English Learners

Ramadan is a special month for Muslims around the world. It is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and kindness.

In this article, you will learn:

• What Ramadan is

• Important Ramadan vocabulary

• A short reading passage

• Comprehension questions

• Speaking practice

🎥 Check out the Youtube Shorts Video:👉What is Ramadan? Let's Find out!

Let’s begin!

🌙 What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.

Fasting means not eating or drinking during the day. People wake up early before sunrise to eat a meal called suhoor.

In the evening, they break their fast with a meal called iftar.

Ramadan is not only about food. It is also a time to:

• Pray more

• Help others

• Give to charity

• Practice patience

• Feel grateful

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate a special holiday called Eid.

Ramadan is observed by millions of people in countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and many other parts of the world.

📖 Reading Practice: A Short Story

Amina’s Ramadan Morning

Amina wakes up at 4:45 a.m. Her kitchen is quiet and peaceful. She drinks water and eats some fruit and bread for suhoor. After eating, she prays and prepares for work.

During the day, Amina feels a little tired, but she stays positive. She remembers that Ramadan is a time for patience and self-control.

At sunset, she sits with her family. They eat dates and soup to break their fast. Amina feels happy and thankful.

📝 Comprehension Questions

1. What time does Amina wake up?

2. What does she eat for suhoor?

3. How does she feel during the day?

4. What do they eat first at sunset?

5. How does Amina feel at the end of the day?

📚 A Simple Ramadan Guide - Vocabulary List

Word	Meaning
Fast	To not eat or drink for a period of time
Dawn	Early morning before sunrise
Sunset	When the sun goes down
Charity	Giving help or money to people in need
Grateful	Feeling thankful
Patience	The ability to stay calm

💬 Speaking Practice (Perfect for Conversation Class)

• Have you ever tried fasting?

• Is there a special month or celebration in your culture?

• What does “gratitude” mean to you?

• Do you think fasting is difficult? Why or why not?

✏️ Mini Grammar Focus: Present Simple

Notice the verbs:

• Amina wakes up

• She drinks

• She feels

• They eat

We use the present simple to talk about routines.

📩 Free PDF Download

👉Ramadan: Frequently Asked Questions Worksheet

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ramadan

1. Can you drink water during Ramadan?

No. During the fast, Muslims do not eat or drink anything — including water — from dawn until sunset.

However, they can eat and drink before sunrise (suhoor) and after sunset (iftar).

2. Who does not need to fast?

Some people are not required to fast, including:

• Young children

• Elderly people

• Pregnant women

• People who are sick

• Travellers

Health and safety are very important.

3. What is suhoor?

Suhoor is the early morning meal eaten before sunrise. It helps people prepare for the day of fasting.

4. What is iftar?

Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast at sunset. Many families start with dates and water.

5. What is Eid?

Eid is a special celebration at the end of Ramadan. The holiday is called

Eid al-Fitr. Families pray, visit relatives, wear new clothes, and enjoy special food together.

6. Is Ramadan only about not eating?

No. Ramadan is also about:

• Prayer

• Kindness

• Charity

• Gratitude

• Self-control

It is a time for spiritual growth and reflection.

🗣️Discussion Questions:

• Which question surprised you the most?

• Do you have a similar tradition in your culture?

• Why do you think fasting teaches patience?

Share your answers in the comments below ⬇️

Enjoyed A Simple Guide to Ramadan as part of your ESL learning?

Check out our other guides:

👉The Complete Guide to English Tenses for ESL Learners

👉 the Imperative Form: A Comprehensive Guide

👉 Ultimate Guide to Modal Verbs in English

✅ Answer Key

• 4:45 a.m.

• Fruit and bread

• A little tired but positive

• Dates and soup

• Happy and thankful

🔔 Practise More:

Want to improve your listening and speaking skills?

🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel Playlist:

🔗 English for Festivals and Holidays

🔗 ESL Listening Practice With Engaging Stories

🔗 Quick and Easy Vocabulary

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