Ramadan

Ramadan History

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for millions of Muslims worldwide. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, its observance aims to help Muslims grow spiritually and purify themselves by stirring compassion for the less fortunate. During Ramadan, Muslims partake in fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and community acts of charity. The fast held from dawn until sunset requires abstinence from food, drink, and other physical needs. It is believed that through sacrifice and self-discipline, Muslims can draw nearer to God and cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude.

In South Africa, Islam arrived in the 17th century with the influx of slaves from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Indian subcontinent, bringing with them the tradition of Ramadan. Today, over one million Muslims, or roughly 2% of South Africa's population observe Ramadan annually. To South African Muslims, Ramadan's key aspects include Taraweeh prayers (additional evening prayers), community iftars (breaking of the fast), and charity drives. During this time, mosques become hubs of spiritual activity, fostering unity and a sense of communal identity.

For those observing Ramadan in South Africa, the start of the fasting period is announced by the sighting of the moon, following the lunar Islamic calendar. This practice varies in dates each year due to the lunar cycle but often falls within the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Community groups coordinate efforts to sight the moon sighting and relay this information countrywide, often through local radio stations. Typical South African Iftar meals might include samoosas, dates, and haleem, a rich meaty stew. Ramadan concludes with Eid-ul-Fitr, a celebration marking the end of the fasting period, involving prayer, feasting, and festivities.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Ramadan (Begins) in South Africa

• The traditional gathering of the maankykers at Three Anchor Bay to sight the first sliver of the moon is a historic ritual maintained by the Crescent Observers Society to determine the official start of the fast.
• Reaching the middle of the month is celebrated as being op die berg, a milestone marked by the unique local tradition of Boeber Night where families serve a sweet, spiced milk drink to their neighbors.
• The Bo-Kaap district is renowned for its large-scale Boeka gatherings, where the spirit of the community is expressed through communal street iftars that welcome residents and travelers from all walks of life.
• Culinary favorites such as dhaltjies, which are savory spinach and chickpea flour fritters, and haleem, a thick meat and grain soup, are widely prepared as the primary choices for breaking the daily fast.
• Under the theme of Hope into Action, local organizations like the South African National Zakat Fund mobilize to distribute thousands of essential food hampers to underprivileged families across the country.
• As the upcoming observance falls during the late summer months, the phenomenon of the Hot Fast leads to significant interest in health and hydration strategies for coping with temperatures that can exceed thirty degrees Celsius.
• The annual Cape Town Ramadan Expo serves as a major festive hub for the community, showcasing specialized clothing, artisanal food products, and various communal services.
• In the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal regions, households frequently prepare haleem, a thick and savory barley broth with meat that is considered a quintessential comfort food for opening the fast.
• The Auwal Mosque in Cape Town, which is the oldest mosque in the country, serves as a significant historical and cultural landmark where many people attend special evening recitals of the Quran.
• Toward the end of the month, there is a distinct focus on the payment of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charitable contribution that ensures everyone, regardless of their financial status, can participate in the upcoming Eid al-Fitr festivities.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for Ramadan

Top things to do in South Africa for Ramadan

• The fast is usually broken in a family setting, where traditional foods are served. Most Muslims begin their meal with a few dates and a glass of milk because the Prophet Muhammad used to do the same. The high sugar content of the dates sends energy to weary fasting Muslim, while the fiber in the dates and the protein in the milk fills them up and prevents nausea.
• During Ramadan, Muslims congregate every night in the mosque to pray Taraweeh prayers in congregation. In the United States, in between sets of prayers, the Imam gives a brief sermon and encourages people to give to charity.
• Visit the Auwal Mosque: Located in Cape Town, the Auwal Mosque is the oldest mosque in South Africa, built in 1794. During Ramadan, it is a popular place to join in prayers, especially the Taraweeh prayers.
• Read a book to learn more about Ramadan in South Africa:
  Crescent Moon: Stories of Muslim Women in South Africa - by Shamima Shaikh
  A Concise Introduction to Islam: Faith, Religion and Politics in the Contemporary World - by Dr. Jerome-Taylor
  Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story - by Jonny Zucker and Jan Barger Cohen