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Ramadan is the only month Allah names directly in the Qur’an: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Qur’an 2:185)[1]
For Shi’a Muslims, this sacred month carries special weight. Beyond fasting and prayer, Ramadan marks the martyrdom of Imam Ali (AS) on the 21st—a tragedy that defines the final ten days of the month. It’s also when we celebrate the birth of Imam Hassan (AS) and commemorate the courage of Lady Khadija (SA), Islam’s first believer and greatest supporter.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, planning your acts of worship, or preparing for ziarat to Iraq’s holy shrines, this guide brings together everything you need for a meaningful Ramadan.
The word comes from the Arabic root r-m-ḍ (ر-م-ض), meaning “intense heat” or “to scorch.”[2] Islamic scholars teach that Ramadan was named this way because it burns away sins, just as scorching heat purifies.[3] The month doesn’t just test your physical endurance—it’s designed to cleanse your soul, soften your heart, and bring you closer to Allah’s mercy.
The entire Qur’an descended to earth on Laylat al-Qadr during Ramadan.[4] That’s why reciting even one verse in this month equals reciting the entire Qur’an in any other month.[5]
The Prophet (SAWW) taught us that Ramadan unfolds in three beautiful stages:[6]
During Ramadan, believers are considered ḍuyūf Allāh (guests of Allah). Your breathing counts as glorification, your sleep counts as worship.[7] Every moment holds reward.
Lady Khadija (SA) wasn’t just the Prophet’s wife—she was Islam’s first believer, its greatest financial supporter, and the mother of Lady Fatima (SA). She sacrificed her entire fortune during the brutal three-year boycott, emerging from the Valley of Abu Talib with nothing left. The year of her death, 619 CE, is called ‘Ām al-Ḥuzn (the Year of Sorrow).[8]
Read her complete story: The woman who saved Islam →
Born in Madinah on this blessed day in 3 AH, Imam Hassan (AS) was the Prophet’s eldest grandson and second Imam. The Prophet himself named him “Hassan”—a name never used before in Arabia—after receiving divine instruction through Angel Gabriel. The Prophet frequently declared: “Hassan and Hussain are the Masters of the Youth of Paradise.”[9]
Discover the life of patience and wisdom →
Special practices for the 15th night and day →
Islam’s first major victory. On this day in 2 AH, 313 Muslims faced 1,000 Qurayshi warriors—and won through divine assistance and the courage of Imam Ali (AS). The Qur’an immortalizes this day: “And already had Allah given you victory at Badr when you were few.” (Qur’an 3:123)[10]
The complete account of Islam’s turning point →
While leading Fajr prayer at Masjid al-Kufa, Imam Ali (AS) was struck with a poison-coated sword by the Kharijite assassin ibn Muljim. As the sword hit, the Imam exclaimed: “Fuztu wa Rabb al-Ka’bah!” (By the Lord of the Ka’bah, I have succeeded!)[11] He would live for two more agonizing days, during which he dictated his final will and prepared the Muslim community for his departure.
What happened that night: A complete account →
How to observe the 19th night with proper mourning →
After two days of suffering, the Commander of the Faithful passed from this world at age 63. Before his death, he appointed Imam Hassan (AS) as his successor and delivered a will that still guides humanity today: “I advise you to fear Allah and that you do not hanker after the world even though it may run after you. Speak the truth and act for the Hereafter. Oppose the oppressor and support the oppressed.”[12]
This is the most solemn day of Ramadan for Shi’a Muslims worldwide.
The final testament: Imam Ali’s eternal message →
Complete guide to mourning and practices for 21st →
The Qur’an calls this night “better than a thousand months.”[13] While Shi’a tradition emphasizes all three odd nights (19th, 21st, 23rd), the 23rd is most strongly emphasized as the actual Laylat al-Qadr. This is when destinies are decreed, prayers are accepted, and angels descend to earth in numbers beyond counting.
Everything you need for the Night of Power →
Step-by-step practices for all three nights →
| Date | Event | Your Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Ramadan | Beginning of the holy month | First day practices → |
| 6th Ramadan | Torah revealed to Prophet Musa (AS) | Special practices → |
| 10th Ramadan | Demise of Lady Khadija (SA) | Her story → |
| 13th Ramadan | Important night of worship | Night practices → |
| 14th Ramadan | Martyrdom of Mukhtar al-Thaqafi | His legacy → |
| 15th Ramadan | Birth of Imam Hassan (AS) | Celebration guide → |
| 17th Ramadan | Battle of Badr (2 AH) | Full story → |
| 19th Ramadan | Attack on Imam Ali (AS) | Mourning guide → |
| 21st Ramadan | Martyrdom of Imam Ali (AS) | Commemoration → |
| 23rd Ramadan | Laylatul Qadr (most emphasized) | Complete guide → |
| Last Night | Farewell to Ramadan | Final practices → |
Each significant date has its own recommended practices. We’ve created detailed guides for:
1st Ramadan → | 6th Ramadan → | 13th Ramadan → | 15th Ramadan → | 17th Ramadan → | 19th Ramadan → | 21st Ramadan → | 23rd Ramadan → | Last Night →
Shi’a tradition observes three sacred nights with special devotion:[17]
On these nights, angels descend to earth, destinies are written, and prayers are accepted. The Qur’an dedicates an entire chapter to this night’s magnificence.[18]
Your complete guide to making the most of these three nights →
There’s something transformative about spending Ramadan near the shrines of the Ahlul Bayt (AS). Witness the 19th night in Masjid al-Kufa where Imam Ali (AS) was struck, experience the profound mourning on the 21st at his shrine in Najaf, celebrate Imam Hassan’s birth on the 15th in Karbala, and spend Laylatul Qadr (the 23rd) in worship at the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS). Whether you’re there for the sacred nights or the entire blessed month, Iraq’s holy cities offer an unmatched spiritual atmosphere.[19][20][21][22]
We’ve designed comprehensive pilgrimage packages that cover all the significant dates and locations—from short focused journeys for the three nights of Qadr to complete month-long experiences. Each package includes accommodation near the shrines, ground transportation between cities, suhoor and iftar arrangements, and full support throughout your spiritual journey. Explore our specially designed Ramadan packages below to find the perfect fit for your ziarat.
Note: Dates are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and vary by moon sighting. For Gregorian calendar dates, consult local Islamic authorities.
Last Updated: December 2025
For corrections: [email protected]
[1] Qur’an 2:185
[2] Wikishia, “Ramadan” article; Arabic Etymology
[3] Ibn Hajar and classical sources on the name’s meaning
[4] Tafsir al-Mizan, Surah Qadr commentary
[5] Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 93
[6] Sahih traditions on divisions of Ramadan
[7] Mafatih al-Jinan, introduction to Ramadan practices
[8] Wikishia, “Khadija bt. Khuwaylid (a)”; Ibn Sa’d, al-Tabaqat al-Kubra
[9] Authentic hadith collections (both Sunni and Shi’a)
[10] Qur’an 3:123
[11] al-Kafi, Vol. 1, p. 454; Historical accounts
[12] Nahj al-Balagha and other sources
[13] Qur’an 97:3
[14] Fiqh sources on fasting
[15] Mafatih al-Jinan, Ramadan section
[16] Hadith on rewards of providing iftar
[17] Shi’a traditions on the three nights
[18] Qur’an 97:1-5
[19-22] Contemporary observations and religious guides on Iraqi shrine practices during Ramadan
Online Scholarly Resources:
Wikishia.net (English Shi’a Encyclopedia)
Al-Islam.org (Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library)
Duas.org (Authentic Shi’a prayers and practices)
15 Ramadan in Karbala
19 & 21 Ramadan in Najaf
23 Ramadan in Karbala 
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15 Ramadan in Karbala
19 Ramadan in Kufa
21 Ramadan in Najaf
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19 Ramadan in Kufa
21 Ramadan in Najaf
23 & 27 Ramadan in Karbala
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Eid ul Fitr in Karbala
Stay in Najaf & Kazmain
Day trip of Samara & Balad
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19 & 21 Ramadan in Najaf
23 & 27 Ramadan in Karbala
Eid ul Fitr in Karbala
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19 & 21 Ramadan in Najaf
23 & 27 Ramadan in Karbala
Eid ul Fitr in Karbala
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