What is Ramadan, and how do I wish a Muslim neighbor well?
Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting. Many Muslims go without food or drink from dawn to sunset, then break the fast together at night. To wish someone well, say “Ramadan Mubarak” (blessed Ramadan) or “Ramadan Kareem” (generous Ramadan). At the end, say “Eid Mubarak.” You don’t have to hide your sandwich.
1 · MindWhat people believe, and how they know
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month (Qur’an 2:185, summarized). The Qur’an also sets out the fast itself (Qur’an 2:183-185, summarized).
The Islamic calendar follows the moon, so Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year. The next Ramadan is expected to begin around Monday, February 8, 2027, depending on when the new moon is sighted. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr, the “festival of breaking the fast.”
Pew Research found in 2017 that about 8 in 10 U.S. Muslims say they fast during Ramadan. Children, the sick, travelers, and pregnant or nursing women are generally excused.
What each tradition or community says
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core practices of the faith. It’s meant to build self-control, gratitude and closeness to God, and to remind people what hunger feels like.
The evening meal that breaks the fast is called iftar. It often starts with dates and water, then turns into a long dinner with family, friends and mosque neighbors. There’s also a pre-dawn meal called suhoor.
Most aren’t bothered when others eat around them. What helps more: not scheduling the team lunch as the big meeting, and not booking the big meeting at sunset.
2 · HeartWhat it feels like
For your neighbor, Ramadan is a hard month and a happy one. They’re tired and hungry by afternoon. They’re also up late with family, praying, eating and giving to charity. Think Lent, Thanksgiving and a charity drive, all in one month.
For you, it can feel awkward. Do you mention it? Do you eat your lunch in the car? Relax. Your neighbor has been fasting next to sandwiches their whole life.
Our office once held a pizza party at noon on day three of Ramadan. Then we wondered why our Muslim coworkers looked tired. We moved the party to after sunset. The pizza was fine.Neighbor Radio
3 · HandsHow to be a good neighbor
Say “Ramadan Mubarak” when the month starts. Ask how it’s going. Go easy on afternoon deadlines if you can. If you’re invited to an iftar, say yes. Show up on time, because sunset doesn’t wait, and let them feed you.
At the end of the month, say “Eid Mubarak.” A card or a plate of sweets on the porch goes a long way.
This weekPut the start of Ramadan on your calendar, and send one Muslim neighbor or coworker a “Ramadan Mubarak” that day.
TimelineWhere this fits
SourcesWhere it is in the scriptures
Qur’an
- Qur'an 2:185
- Qur'an 2:183-185
Bible passages are quoted from the World English Bible. Other sacred texts are summarized, with references so you can find them.
Plain wordsWhat do these words mean?
- Qur’an
- The holy book of Islam. Muslims believe God revealed it to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.
- Prophet
- Someone believed to speak a message from God.
- Mosque
- A Muslim place of prayer. In Arabic, a masjid.
- Lent
- The 40 days before Easter, when many Christians pray, give, and give something up.
Four questions to take with you
From Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan, about the stranger who stopped to help. We call it the Samaritan Test.
- Did they see? Or look right past?
- Did they stop? Even when it was inconvenient?
- Did it cost them? Time, money, comfort, reputation?
- Did they treat the person like a person? Not like a label?
Try it on: a neighbor working through the afternoon on an empty stomach. Did you notice, and did you make one thing easier?
Quick questions
Can I say “Happy Ramadan”?
Yes. It’s not traditional, but it’s kind and understood. “Ramadan Mubarak” is a little nicer.
Is it rude to eat in front of someone who is fasting?
Usually not. Many Muslims say it’s fine. Offering them food by mistake isn’t a crime either. Just laugh and say sorry.
Can non-Muslims go to an iftar?
Often, yes. Many mosques hold open iftars and welcome neighbors of every faith.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Ramadan
- Pew Research Center, 2018: Most U.S. Muslims observe Ramadan by fasting during daylight hours
- Qur'an 2:183-185
- Gulf News: Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak, which greeting is right?
- Gulf News: When is Ramadan 2027?
Written in plain words by the Neighbor Radio team. Each faith's and community's section is checked by someone from that faith or community. Until then, this page says so. Spot something wrong? Tell us. We read every note and fix mistakes.