RAMADAN VOCABULARY (ESL)

level: Intermediate (B1/B2)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest period of the year for Muslims worldwide. This exercise covers the key vocabulary associated with Ramadan and its traditions.

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1. Ramadan is a very important month for Muslims. It is a time of inner (reflection/refraction) that is (meant/mean) to bring one closer to God.

2. In religious terms, to "fast" means to eat little or (none/no) food. Fasting during Ramadan means abstaining from food completely.

3. By fasting, one learns to develop sympathy and compassion for the less (fortified/fortunate), as well as to (appreciate/approbate) what one has.

4. Ramadan is the ninth (9th) month of the Islamic (calendar/schedule).

5. The daily period of fasting starts at (dawn/down) ( = when the sun rises) and ends when the sun sets.

6. During this period, Muslims must (abstain /absolve) from food, drink, and smoking, among other things.

7. During the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims try to come closer to God through displays of devotion and good (doings/deeds).

8. The 27th night of Ramadan, (known as the Night of Power) is the most important in terms of prayer. Many devout Muslims spend the (entire/all) night praying.

9. Another way Muslims come closer to God during Ramadan is by reading as much of their (holy/saintly) book, the Qu'ran (Koran) as possible.

Ramadan Conversation Questions 1. What do you know about Ramadan? Have you ever observed it or participated in an iftar meal?
2. Are there any periods of fasting or religious observance in your culture or religion?
3. How do you think fasting affects people physically and mentally?
4. What religious or cultural holidays are most significant in your country?
5. Do you think it is important for people of different faiths to understand each other's religious practices? Why?
6. How do workplaces and schools in your country accommodate people observing religious holidays?

Did you know? Ramadan is observed by over 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. During this month, fasting (sawm) from dawn to sunset is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, often beginning with the eating of dates — a tradition based on the practice of the Prophet Muhammad.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar (about 11 days shorter than the solar year), Ramadan moves earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar, cycling through all seasons over roughly 33 years. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, one of the two most important Islamic holidays, marked by communal prayers, feasting, and the giving of gifts.