holy ramadan

The Significance and History of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection. It is believed to be the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel).

The practice of fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental acts of worship and devotion. The fast begins at Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and is broken at Iftar (sunset meal), with the daily schedule guided by the movement of the sun. The fast is not just about abstaining from food and drink but also about spiritual purification, increased acts of charity, and strengthening one’s connection to God (Allah).

Historically, Ramadan has been observed for over 1,400 years, and its traditions have been passed down through generations. The month fosters a sense of unity among Muslims worldwide, as they share the same spiritual journey regardless of their geographical location.

Ramadan 2025 in Mostar

This year, Ramadan in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, and conclude on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Throughout the city, the holy month is marked by special prayers, community gatherings, and acts of charity.

Daily Observances

Each day, Muslims in Mostar begin their fast with Sehri before dawn and break it at Iftar when the sun sets.

Mosques in Mostar, such as Karadoz Bey Mosque, host special Taraweeh prayers each evening, where long portions of the Quran are recited, fostering a deep spiritual atmosphere.

Ramadan Traditions in Mostar

Mostar has a rich Islamic heritage, and Ramadan here is an experience that blends faith, culture, and community. The city’s Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk) comes alive with people gathering to shop for traditional Bosnian dishes, sweets, and beverages for Iftar.

Traditional Iftar Meals

During Iftar, families break their fast with dates and water, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Bosnian cuisine offers a variety of special Ramadan dishes, including:

Begova čorba (Bey’s soup) – a thick, slow-cooked chicken and vegetable soup.
Sogan-dolma – onions stuffed with meat and rice.
Pita (Burek, Sirnica, Krompiruša) – thin pastry filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes.
Tufahija – poached apples stuffed with walnuts and sugar syrup.

Acts of Charity and Community Iftars

Ramadan is a time of giving and compassion, and many people in Mostar participate in Sadaqah (voluntary charity) and Zakat (obligatory charity). Local mosques and organizations arrange community Iftars, where free meals are provided to those in need, reinforcing the spirit of generosity.

The Cultural and Spiritual Atmosphere

Ramadan in Mostar offers a unique experience where history and spirituality intertwine. As the sun sets, the call to prayer (Adhan) echoes across the city from its historic mosques, and the streets fill with families and friends gathering for Iftar. The city’s historic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a symbol of resilience and unity, becomes a meeting place where people reflect and celebrate together.

Ramadan in Mostar is more than just a religious observance; it is a cultural and spiritual journey. The city’s deep-rooted traditions, warm community spirit, and rich Islamic heritage make it a special place to experience this sacred month. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, witnessing Ramadan in Mostar provides an opportunity to connect with both faith and tradition in a meaningful way.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims endure a period of daily fasting – the biggest act of religious observance of its kind. For the world’s 1.6bn Muslims, including Britain’s 2.8 million-strong Muslim community, the annual event represents a time to fast and devote a particular focus to prayer, purification, and charitable acts. This year Ramadan begins on Friday, May 26 and ends on Saturday, June 24.
The info below should help enlighten you on several other interesting aspects of this holy time experienced by so many.

1. WHAT IS RAMADAN?

As the holiest month of the year, it is a crucial period for practicing Muslims and underpins some of the religion’s core values, such as prayer and giving to charity. Practically speaking, it’s the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The word comes from the root words ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which roughly translate to the scorching heat of the sun. For Muslims, this means a time of deep spiritual discipline where they reaffirm their relationship with Allah and through which, in keeping with the name, their sins will be burnt away.

2.WHY IS IT HOLY?

This month is believed to be around the time the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the prophet Muhammad in 610 C.E.

As the story is told, Muhammad would often leave his hometown of Makkah to reflect and meditate in solitude. One night while Muhammad sat contemplating in a cave, he heard a voice call out to him, “Read!” The voice belonged to the angel Gabriel. In turn, Muhammad proceeded to miraculously recite the first verse of what would come to form Chapter 96 of the Qu’ran, which goes:

“Read, in the name of thy Lord, Who created?

Created man, out of a clot (embryo).

Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,

He Who taught the use of the pen?

Taught man that which he knew not.

Nay, but man doth transgress all bounds,

In that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient.

Verily, to thy Lord is the return (of all).”

3. WHY DO MUSLIMS FAST DURING RAMADAN?

Fasting (sawm in Arabic), is one of the five key pillars underpinning the Islamic faith. The others are prayer (salat), giving a percentage of your salary to charity (zakat), making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and, of course, a belief in the Muslim faith (shahadah).

Fasting is seen as a way to purify spiritually as well as physically – a time to detach from material pleasures and be closer to God. The act of fasting is also believed to increase Muslims’ piety, reminding them that others are less fortunate than themselves.

Fasting involves abstaining from all food, drink, smoking and having sex from sunrise to sunset. Muslims will wake up before sunrise for morning prayer and to eat before the day’s fast begins. Most will break their fast alongside their families in the evening with a communal “Iftar” meal, typically often started with dates.

Ramadan recipes

4. DO ALL MUSLIMS HAVE TO FAST?

Fit and able adults are expected to fast, but children and elderly people are exempt. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone who is sick and anyone traveling on a journey is also exempt.

Women who are on their periods are not expected to fast but make up the missed days at a later date.

5. AND YES, IF YOU WERE WONDERING, FASTING TIME DIFFERS DEPENDING WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD.

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6. WHAT IS RAMADAN’S CONNECTION TO THE MOON?

As opposed to the more synonymous January through December months, for religious matters Muslims adhere to a lunar calendar. In the case of Ramadan, the month officially starts with the sighting of the new moon of the lunar calendar’s ninth month. One of the major differences between these two forms of keeping time is that the latter is 11 days shorter. As such, Ramadan shifts backward by approximately 11 days each year.

7. CHARITY FORMS AN IMPORTANT PART OF RAMADAN

Among the aforementioned five pillars of Islam, is the ever important practice of charity. During Ramadan, the rewards of charity are considered to be greater, so this month generally marks a time of great generosity.

8. WHAT IS IFTAR?

Iftar is the meal which is eaten after sunset during Sawm, the fasting which occurs during the month of Ramadan in Muslim tradition. Since people have not eaten at all during the day, they are often quite hungry by the time Iftar comes around, and most people hasten to end the fast as quickly as possible after sunset. In communities with a large Muslim population, a cannon may be fired or other signal given to indicate the end of the day’s fast, and the information may be broadcast over the media as well.

9. ON THAT DAY, YOU CAN WISH YOUR MUSLIM FRIENDS: “EID MUBARAK”

Which means, “Holiday Blessings.”

10. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN RAMADAN ENDS?

The end of the fasting month is marked with a big feast, the exchanging of gifts and celebrations, known as “Eid-ul-Fitr”.