- KR Bharat
- 2026-02-24
As the holy month of fasting approaches each year, many people wonder whether it should be called Ramzan or Ramadan. The simple answer is that both are correct. The difference comes from language, pronunciation, and regional usage rather than meaning.
The key lies in the Arabic letter ض (ḍād) — a unique sound that does not exist in English. In Arabic pronunciation, it carries a heavy “D” sound, which is closer to “D” than “Z.” When the word is transliterated into standard global English, it becomes Ramadan, which is commonly used in international media, academic writing, and formal communication.
However, in South Asian languages such as Urdu, Hindi, and Telugu, the pronunciation evolved into Ramzan, which is widely used in everyday speech across India and neighboring regions. Regardless of the spelling or pronunciation, both refer to the same sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide with fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection.
The discussion often surfaces in cities like Hyderabad, where diverse linguistic traditions coexist, making both terms equally familiar and culturally accepted.
