Ramadan is observed as a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. From dawn (fajr) to dusk (maghrib), Muslims abstain from food, drinks, smoking, and sexual relations in order to promote self-discipline, gratitude, and spiritual growth. People typically break their fast with dates and water. The pre-dawn meal is called suhoor, while the meal to break the fast at sunset is iftar.
Ramadan also creates a sense of community and support among Muslims. Families often gather for iftar, and many people attend nightly prayers together, strengthening both personal faith and social connections. This sense of unity makes the experience of Ramadan more meaningful and helps people stay committed throughout their journey.
The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar is used by Muslims to determine the timing of religious events like Ramadan and Hajj. It is made up of 12 lunar months of 354 or 355 days. Since it’s shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Islamic dates tend to shift earlier annually. The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal) marking the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Once the crescent moon is sighted, the following day becomes the start of Ramadan. It lasts around 30 days and the end is marked by the sighting of the crescent moon again.
To better understand the personal meaning of Ramadan, I spoke with Ayub Yonis, who has been participating in Ramadan since he was 13. When asked how Ramadan has helped him connect with his faith, he explained, “Having to abstain from a lot of things purposefully allows me to really be in connection with God. It makes me realize how much I’ve messed up and how much I need to improve.” His response highlights how Ramadan is not only about physical fasting but also about self reflection and personal growth. By stepping away from daily habits, Muslims, like Ayub, are able to be more aware of their actions and choices.
Through this interview I also learned that there are special conditions during Ramadan that exempts Muslims with health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or pregnancy. Islam allows flexibility for individuals whose health conditions pose a risk for their fasting. For example, Ayub is diabetic, so he is allowed to break his fast whenever his blood sugar gets low. This proves that Ramadan emphasizes discipline, but it also prioritizes health and well-being. These accommodations show that the purpose of Ramadan isn’t just about the fasting but to encourage spiritual awareness in a safe and meaningful way.
Similar to Ramadan, Lent is a period in Christianity that emphasizes fasting, reflection, and spiritual discipline. While Muslims fast daily from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, most Christians give up certain comforts, habits, luxuries, or fast on specific days during Lent. Both encourage self-control, gratitude, and a deeper connection to faith.
Overall, Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and reflection. Through Ayub’s experience, it is clear that fasting is not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual. Ramadan encourages people to reflect on their actions and work toward becoming better individuals.
