Kowther Elmi

The month of Ramadan is acknowledged as a month of fast but it also has wider spiritual and religious meaning.

Shugri Mohammed, a 20 year old full time student said: “Ramadan is more than refraining from food and drink; it’s a spiritual journey as this month allows time for self improvement.”

Some people also have traditions reserved for Ramadan such as Idris Xiin, a 45 year old self employed businessman, who tries to “read the whole Qur’an during this month and improve my knowledge of my religion.”

This Ramadan is the longest in 33 years and Nadirah Hibatullah, 17, and a full time student, began her first Ramadan this year, she has described her experience to have been “difficult but rewarding”.

This year, Ramadan began during the same time as exams which many students struggled with such as 17 year-old full time student, Nadiya Ahmed, who stated that “it had been really hard to get revision and work done”.

I also shared these difficulties as it was increasingly difficult to focus in the afternoons especially on warmer days.

Following Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr, an important celebration for which different families  have different traditions such as Nadiya who also revealed that her family upon returning from Eid prayers go “back home and listen and recite the Qur’an together” as well has having a “special breakfast” preparing foods specifically for Eid.

Some of the general traditions that are associated with celebrating Eid include, attending morning prayers, giving Zakat [charity], many buy new clothing specifically for Eid celebrations and people also enjoy a meal with relatives and friends.