Ramadan, Islam’s Holy Month of Fasting

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the most sacred month of the year. Since this is a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon it does not begin and end in the same days in all Muslim countries and also the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian, so Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle.

Muslims believe it was during this month, on the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr), that Allah revealed the first verses of the holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad in 610. They tend to wait for the new month's moon to appear before the officials announce the first day of Ramadan; although, they can estimate the day beforehand. Observances begin the morning after the crescent moon is visibly sighted.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and the followers fast as an act of worship, the practice includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts, and anger. It is meant to be a time of spiritual discipline, a chance to get closer to God, and a way to become more compassionate to those in need. Other acts of worship such as extra prayer, intense reading of the Quran, and increased charity and generosity are also encouraged during the holy month. It is also a get-together time for families to celebrate. There is a verse in the Quran that prescribes fasting for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to do so for the full day. The old, the weak, children, pregnant or nursing women, travelers on long journeys, and the mentally ill are exempt from the requirement of fasting.

After the sunset prayer, Muslims gather in their homes or mosques to break their fast that is sometimes shared with extended families and friends. The ifṭār usually begins with dates, as was the custom of the prophet Muhammad, and water or sweetened milk. Some mosques may host large iftars, especially for the poor and needy.

The Quran indicates that eating and drinking are permissible only until the “white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn” thus, Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called sahari that is just before the Morning Prayer.

The Eid al-Fitr or "Festival of Breaking the Fast" marks the end of the month when Muslims celebrate a successful Ramadan. Lunar months may last between 29 to 30 days depending on when the new moon is sighted. If the moon is not seen on the night of the 29th day, then Ramadan lasts for the full 30 days.

Traveling to Iran during Ramadan

Traveling to Iran in Ramadan offers an opportunity to see a different side of Iranians’ lifestyle, culture, hospitality and beliefs such as serving Iftar in religious gathering public places. In the evening, when the fast is broken, many people who have made a pledge, offer the passengers and pedestrians the dates, tea, soup, Halva, Haleem (traditional nutritious porridge made of wheat and meat) and other foods for free. Though some shops and restaurants are closed during the day in Ramadan, at night, most of them and also coffee shops and street-food stalls, as well as some shopping and recreational areas such as pools or the movies remain open past midnight. Many families and young people come out and spend time in the streets and parks until near dawn. The cities, covered in glowing lights and crowded with people at such a late time, seem more alive than any other time. So, it’s a good opportunity to mingle with locals.

There are some must-eats that are strongly recommended to the tourists traveling to Iran in Ramadan that include Sholeh Zard (Persian pudding made of rice and saffron) and Āsh Reshte (Persian traditional soup made of vegetables and noodles). Zulbia and Bamieh are also traditional Iranian sweets for Ramadan that you can find in almost all confectionaries.

The tourists are expected to respect the Iranian Muslims’ rituals by refraining from obviously eating, drinking, and smoking in public areas during the day. Your options for eating and drinking and your time for some activities could be more limited. However, some restaurants and fast-food outlets, especially the restaurants and cafes in the hotels, highways, airports, railways, and bus stations are open; so, you can have meals there. Some fast-food chains offer takeaway food as well.

Martyrdom of Imam Ali is on the 21st of Ramadan, it is an off day and most of the sites will be closed.