Ramadan quiz questions: traditions and observances

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by nearly two billion Muslims worldwide. Here are eight questions that go beyond the basics.

1The Islamic calendar is lunar, so Ramadan moves through the Gregorian year. Roughly how many years does it take for Ramadan to cycle through all four seasons?

Answer:About 33 years(click to reveal)

2Why is the exact start date of Ramadan often only confirmed at the last minute, sometimes causing confusion between countries?

Answer:It depends on physical sighting of the new crescent moon (not astronomical calculation)(click to reveal)

3During Ramadan in Arctic regions where the sun barely sets, what accommodation do some scholars permit?

Answer:Follow Mecca's timings, or the nearest country with normal day/night cycles(click to reveal)

4The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is believed to fall on which nights of Ramadan?

Answer:One of the odd nights in the last ten days (especially the 27th)(click to reveal)

5What traditional food is used to break the fast at sunset, following a practice of the Prophet Muhammad?

Answer:Dates (usually with water or milk)(click to reveal)

6What is "fidyah" and who might pay it during Ramadan?

Answer:A payment to feed the poor, made by those unable to fast(click to reveal)

7Why do mosques often become more crowded during the last ten nights of Ramadan?

Answer:To observe i'tikaf (spiritual retreat) and search for Laylat al-Qadr(click to reveal)

8How does the timing of Eid al-Fitr create a challenge for employers in non-Muslim countries?

Answer:The date can't be confirmed until the night before (due to moon sighting)(click to reveal)