Greetings, blessings, and Ramadan mubarak to all! This year has been painful for the Muslim community, with war in Palestine, attacks on Pakistan, and mosques being demolished to be replaced with different places of worship. With the start of Ramadan, we have the opportunity to cleanse ourselves and ask Allah for mercy, forgiveness, and protection.
During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from consuming food and drinks, smoking, and engaging in sinful behavior. This period is not just about physical abstinence; it is also a time for self-reflection, increased devotion, and empathy for those less fortunate. The act of fasting helps cultivate self-discipline, patience, and gratitude. It is a time for Muslims to strengthen their bond with Allah, seek forgiveness, and practice acts of kindness and charity. Ramadan is a beautiful month that brings communities together, fosters a sense of unity, and encourages love and compassion towards one another. It is a time of spiritual rejuvenation and growth, reminding Muslims of the importance of faith, compassion, and mindfulness in their daily lives.
Sawm, or fasting, is the fourth pillar of Islam. Even though it may seem silly to you if you are Kafir (non-muslim), Ramadan is actually a very important and sacred time of the year for Muslims. Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and promotes social gatherings such as fasting, Iftar (which is the meal that breaks the fast), worship, and most of all, spiritual development.
For anyone who does not identify as Muslim, I encourage you to observe Ramadan. It’s an eye-opening experience that can potentially change your outlook on life. Even if you don’t believe in Allah, it serves as a very spiritual celebration that can cleanse and renew your soul. I encourage you to take this time to purge the negative things keeping you from being “the best you,” whether that be bad friends, poor spending habits, substance abuse, or even something small like a poor diet. Ramadan is a time of reflection and abstinence, but also of creation. And if you choose not to observe this blessed time, please don’t feel bad for eating in front of those who do. Personally, I think that watching non-Muslims go about their day as any other, while I am devoting this time to Allah, reminds me of my faith.
In the gentle glow of Ramadan’s light, the Ummah is reminded of the virtues of empathy, unity, and compassion. It beckons us to extend a hand to those in need, to count our blessings with gratitude, and to fortify the bonds of brotherhood. Through acts of kindness, charity, and prayer, we seek to fortify our faith and embrace one another in unity. May this Ramadan be a season of growth, reflection, and spiritual revival for all. Ramadan Kareem to you and your cherished ones.
This article also appears in our March 2024 edition.
