Now that Ramadan has officially begun, it is time to learn words and phrases that are typically used during this month. Aside from some common greetings, these include a few terms that tell us more about Islam and its Five Pillars.
During the Holy Month, you may also be invited to “Iftar,” which is the meal that Muslims take when the sun sets. As you participate in this special gathering, there are several useful phrases that you can use. Read on to learn more about them!
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Words and Phrases Commonly Used during Ramadan
Common Greetings
Ramadan Kareem – A greeting that means “Generous Ramadan.”
Ramadan Mubarak – This means “Congratulations, it’s Ramadan.”
Eid Mubarak – This means “Blessed Eid.”
Embarak alaikum shahr Ramadan – This means “May the month of Ramadan be a blessing for you.”
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Important Terms
Eid al-Fitr – This means “feast of breaking the fast,” a three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. It involves prayers, food, gifts, and festivities. It also marks the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Iftar – This means “break fast,” a meal taken at sunset to “break” the “fast.”
Salah – This means “prayer,” one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims observe five prayer times throughout the day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and at night.
Sawm – A term that refers to fasting; it literally means “to refrain.” It is also one of the five pillars of Islam.
Suhoor – A meal taken before sunrise, a “pre-fast” meal.
Tarawih – A congregational prayer held every evening during the Holy Month, in addition to the five prayer times.
Zakat – One of the five pillars of Islam; it requires Muslims to give 2.5 percent of their wealth to charity or to the needy.
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Useful Phrases and their Meanings
Hal anta saa’im? – “Are you fasting?”
Anaa saa’im – “I am fasting.”
Siyam Kareem – “Blessed fasting.”
Taqabbala Alla – “May God accept your prayer / fasting.”
Shu ssm hal shay? – “What is this called?”
Ana aheb hal-akel – “I like this food.”
Wesh olumak? – “How are you?”
Mn wein bladak? – Where are you from?
Tetkallem Engleesi? – “Do you speak English?”
Mu fahem alek – “I don’t understand.”
Afwan, Itha samaht – “Excuse me”
Kam el sa’a al-heen? – “What time is it?”
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These are some of the most common words and phrases that you will hear during the Holy Month. Even if you are not fasting, these words come in handy, especially when communicating with your Muslim friends and colleagues.
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