Ramadan, whose name comes from the Arabic word 'ramida' meaning 'burning heat,' holds a special place in the heart of every Muslim. According to Islamic tradition, it was during this month, on the Night of Destiny (Lajlat al-Qadr), that the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad began. This night, which falls on one of the last nights of Ramadan (usually the 27th night), is considered holier than a thousand months, and prayers during this time have special power.

Fasting during Ramadan, known as sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith (shahada), prayer (salat), almsgiving (zakat) and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). By abstaining from food, drink and other bodily pleasures from dawn to dusk, Muslims learn patience, humility and gratitude. Fasting also has a social dimension - it makes the faithful aware of the suffering of the hungry and encourages them to share with those in need.

At the center of the spiritual experiences associated with Ramadan are the holy sites of Islam, among them the most important - the Holy Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca. This monumental structure, surrounding the Kaaba - Islam's holiest site - can accommodate more than 1.5 million worshippers, making it the largest mosque in the world. During Ramadan, the Holy Mosque fills with pilgrims from all over the world who come to experience the unique atmosphere of spirituality. The Kaaba, a cubic structure covered in black cloth with Quranic verses embroidered in gold, represents the direction (qibla) in which Muslims turn during prayers. During Ramadan, tarawih prayers, held after evening prayer, gather thousands of worshippers around the Kaaba, creating an unusual sight of concentric circles of praying people.

Islam's second holiest site is the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Medina, which houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad. This historic mosque, originally built by the Prophet himself after his hijra (emigration) from Mecca to Medina in 622, has undergone numerous expansions and can now accommodate more than a million worshippers. During Ramadan, the Prophet's Mosque bustles with activity around the clock - worshippers gather for prayers, study the Quran and meditate at the site where the Prophet taught and led the first Muslim community. A particularly prized spot in the mosque is the Rawdah, the area between the Prophet's tomb and his former pulpit, which Muhammad said was a 'garden from the gardens of Paradise.'

Outside Saudi Arabia, one of the most magnificent mosques that draws crowds of worshippers during Ramadan is the Sheikh Zayid Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. This architectural gem, completed in 2007, combines traditional elements of Islamic architecture with modern solutions. Capable of accommodating more than 40,000 worshippers, the mosque impresses with 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns and the world's largest hand-woven carpet of 5627 square meters. During Ramadan, the mosque holds special programs, including iftar (a meal to break the fast) for thousands of worshippers, and its spectacular night lighting creates a magical atmosphere.

In Istanbul, the city that connects Europe and Asia, two historic mosques play a special role during Ramadan. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Camii), built between 1609 and 1616, is famous for the more than 20,000 handmade blue iznic tiles decorating its interior and its six slender minarets. During Ramadan, the square between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia turns into a bustling center where iftars are held for thousands of worshippers, and traditional mahya lanterns hung between the minarets create luminous inscriptions with Quranic verses and wishes for Ramadan.

The Hagia Sophia, originally a Byzantine basilica, later a mosque, museum and, as of 2020, a mosque again, is a unique example of the synthesis of cultures and religions. This monumental building from the 6th century, with a dome 31 meters in diameter suspended 55 meters high, was for centuries the largest Christian church and later one of the most important mosques. During Ramadan, worshippers can enjoy a unique combination of Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy while praying under the historic dome, which has survived 15 centuries of history.

Ramadan is not only a time of fasting, but also a rich period of traditions and customs that vary from region to region in the Muslim world. One of the most universal is iftar, an evening meal that breaks the fast, often beginning with the consumption of dates and water, mimicking the practice of the Prophet Muhammad. In many countries, iftar becomes an occasion for family and community gatherings, and mosques organize free meals for the needy and travelers. Before dawn, Muslims eat suhoor, a meal designed to provide strength for the day's fasting.

The recitation of the entire Quran (tarawih) during special evening prayers is also a characteristic element of Ramadan. Traditionally, the Qur'an is divided into 30 parts (juz), allowing for the completion of the recitation of the entire book during the month. During the last days of Ramadan, many believers practice itikaf - a spiritual retreat in a mosque, taking time to pray, recite the Quran and meditate.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated during Id al-Fitr (the Feast of Breaking the Fast), when Muslims gather for special prayers, visit family and friends, exchange gifts and eat festive meals. Prior to the holiday, it is also obligatory to give zakat al-fitr, a special alms for the needy, so that they can participate in the festivities.

The Suleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) in Istanbul, a masterpiece by the great architect Sinan, built between 1550 and 1557 on the orders of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. During Ramadan, this monumental complex, which includes not only a mosque, but also madrassas (Koranic schools), a library, baths and a hospital, becomes the center of spiritual and social life. Four slender minarets (symbolizing that Suleiman was the fourth Ottoman sultan after the conquest of Constantinople) and the main dome, 27.5 meters in diameter, create a majestic silhouette towering over the city skyline. During Ramadan, the courtyards of the mosque are filled with worshippers, who after tarawih prayers often stay late into the night, studying the Quran or participating in religious discussions.

In Oman, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, completed in 2001, is an example of modern Islamic architecture drawing on rich traditions. Named after Sultan Qaboos ibn Said, who ruled Oman for nearly 50 years, this impressive complex can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The main prayer hall impresses with the second largest hand-woven carpet in the world and a huge crystal chandelier. During Ramadan, the mosque holds special educational programs, lectures and iftar for the community. Also characteristic of Ramadan celebrations in Oman are traditional fairs and festivals held around the mosque, where local delicacies, handicrafts and gifts can be purchased to celebrate Id al-Fitr.

In Egypt, a country rich in Islamic history, the Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo, built in the 9th century, is one of the oldest and best-preserved mosques in the world. Inspired by Mesopotamian architecture, this monumental structure is distinguished by its spiral minaret and vast courtyard surrounded by arcades. During Ramadan, the mosque fills not only with prayers, but also with participants in Quran study circles (halaqat) and religious lectures. A distinctive feature of Ramadan in Egypt are the colorful fanous - traditional lanterns that decorate the streets and houses, and can be traced back to Fatimid Cairo.

The United Arab Emirates, in addition to the aforementioned Sheikh Zayid Grand Mosque, also boasts other notable mosques that play an important role during Ramadan. Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai, one of the few mosques in the country open to non-Muslims, has become an important center for interfaith dialogue. This beautiful mosque, built in the traditional Fatimid style of white stone, with two minarets and a central dome, holds special educational programs during Ramadan to introduce non-Muslims to the traditions and significance of this holy month. Evening tarawih prayers attract worshippers from all over Dubai, and the mosque is famous for its beautiful recitation of the Quran.

Sharjah Mosque, opening in 2019, is the largest mosque in the emirate of Sharjah and can accommodate more than 25,000 worshippers. The impressive building combines traditional Islamic architecture with modern environmental features, such as water and energy conservation systems. During Ramadan, the mosque organizes extensive spiritual programs, including all-night prayers on the last 10 days of the month, when worshippers seek the Night of Destiny. Also characteristic of Ramadan celebrations in the UAE are 'Ramadan tents' - special spaces often held at mosques where communities gather for iftar and suhoor.

Ramadan in different parts of the Muslim world has its own unique characteristics and traditions, but its spiritual significance remains universal. In Turkey, public iftar held in city squares is popular, while traditional drums (davul) awaken the faithful for suhoor. In Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Ramadan (called Ramadhan there) is celebrated with special joy and enthusiasm, and a distinctive feature is the bedug, the large drums used to announce the time of iftar. In Morocco, traditional harira soups and chebakia (sweet pastries) are an integral part of iftar, and mosques are filled with the sounds of Andalusian melodies during tarawih.

Ramadhan in the modern world takes on new dimensions, combining traditional spiritual practices with the challenges of globalization and modernity. Mosques, which are centers of religious life, are adapting to the changing needs of Muslim communities, offering not only prayer spaces, but also educational programs, charitable activities and social initiatives.

In the digital age, many mosques are streaming tarawih prayers online, allowing worshippers who cannot physically come to the mosque to participate. Mobile apps remind people of prayer times, help them track their progress in reciting the Quran and offer inspiring spiritual content. Social media has become a platform for sharing Ramadan experiences, iftar recipes and spiritual reflections, creating a virtual community of Muslims around the world.

At the same time, Ramadan remains deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and history. Mosques, especially those of historical significance, serve as reminders of the continuity of faith and religious practice through the centuries. The Sheikh Zayid Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, though relatively new, follows the classical patterns of Islamic architecture, combining them with modern technologies. Its white marble facades, decorated with geometric and floral motifs, reflect Islamic aesthetics, while advanced lighting systems create a magical atmosphere during the nightly Ramadan prayers.

In Turkey, where the Ramadan tradition is particularly rich in character, Istanbul's historic mosques are becoming not only places of prayer, but also cultural centers. Between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, concerts of religious music (ilahi), performances by story tellers (meddah) and demonstrations of the traditional art of calligraphy are organized. The Suleiman Mosque, on the other hand, is famous for its unique acoustics, which allow one to deeply experience the recitation of the Quran during tarawih. Temporary bazaars (Ramadan çarşısı) flourish around the mosques, where traditional delicacies, handicrafts and gifts can be purchased.

The charitable dimension of Ramadan is reflected in numerous initiatives organized by mosques around the world. Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai, in addition to daily iftar for the needy, conducts food and clothing collections, which are distributed to poor families and migrant workers. The mosque has also become an important educational center where non-Muslims can learn more about Islam and Ramadan, fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Sharjah Mosque, in turn, organizes special programs for children and young people, combining religious learning with fun and creativity. Calligraphy workshops, Quran recitation contests and stories about Islam's prophets help the younger generation understand the spiritual significance of Ramadan. The mosque also conducts awareness campaigns on the health aspects of fasting, offering dietary and medical advice to fasters.

In Egypt, the Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque, with its thousand-year history, reminds us of the deep roots of the Ramadan tradition in the Arab world. During this holy month, the mosque holds special lectures on the history of Islam and the significance of Ramadan in different eras. A distinctive feature of Egyptian Ramadan is the mesaharati - a person who wakes the faithful before dawn for suhoor, walking the streets with a drum and reciting traditional invocations. This tradition, also practiced around the Ibn Tulun Mosque, dates back to medieval Cairo and is a living bridge between the past and the present.

In Oman, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque becomes during Ramadan a center not only for religious practice, but also for cultural exchange. The mosque hosts exhibitions of Islamic art and architecture, presentations of traditional Omani crafts, and musical programs featuring a variety of religious music from different parts of the Muslim world. Particularly popular are evenings of Sufi poetry, which expresses the deep spiritual meaning of fasting and prayer through metaphors and symbolism.

Ramadan at the Holy Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina is unique because of the historical and religious significance of these sites. Millions of Muslims dream of spending Ramadan at these holy sites, where the reward for prayers and good deeds is multiplied. Saudi authorities are making huge logistical efforts to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, organizing elaborate systems to distribute water, food and medical care. A particularly moving moment is the sight of concentric circles of worshippers praying around the Kaaba during tarawih, symbolizing the unity of the ummah (Muslim community) across ethnic, linguistic and cultural divides.

Contemporary challenges, such as climate change, are also affecting the practice of Ramadan. In countries with hot climates, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, mosques are investing in advanced air-conditioning and crowd management systems to keep worshippers comfortable during the long hours of prayer. When Ramadan falls during the summer months and the days are longer, fasting becomes physically more demanding, prompting Muslim communities to place greater emphasis on the spiritual dimension of the time.

Ramadan remains a period of intense spirituality, reflection and community for Muslims around the world. Mosques, from historic buildings to modern complexes, play a key role in maintaining and developing the traditions associated with this holy month. Combining the past with the present, spirituality with social action, Ramadan and its celebrations in mosques around the world are a living testament to the vitality and adaptability of Islamic tradition in a changing world.