Ramadan is a time for Muslims to show their devotion to God, through extra acts of worship, giving as much charity as possible, reflecting on the Qur’an, and improving their conduct.

Those who are unable to fast, such as the elderly, children, or sick, are excused. Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, lasting 29 or 30 days. It is prescribed in the Qur’an. “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness.” (2:183).
It is the month when the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

“The month of Ramaḍān [ [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allāh intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (2:185)

Muslims are not just expected to abstain from food and drink, but also to develop their principles and values of faith.

Shafia Begum, 46, a homemaker and volunteer with the Muslimah Sports Association, says Ramadan is a month of worship, reflection, and spiritual wellness.

“As well as fasting, we focus on giving back to our community, increasing prayer, reciting the Qur’an and remembering Allah. As a full-time mother, it can sometimes be difficult to carry out my daily pre-Ramadan routine while fasting, like attending my exercise sessions. Therefore, I may engage in light exercises instead, such as walking or jogging.”

For Nasima Khan from Afghanistan, an English language student, Ramadan is “a month of mercy and forgiveness,” a chance for Muslims to atone “for their sins from the whole year.”

“It is a month where even the poorest of the poor get something to eat from Allah Almighty. This is a month when Muslims grow spiritually and build stronger relationships with Allah.We do this by praying and reciting the Qur’an.
“Ramadan teaches us to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate.

Thus, by encouraging the action of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat), we believe fasting helps instill compassion for the food-insecure poor.

Moreover, Ramadan is a spiritual month for us, which symbolizes dedication, reflection, and discipline. Ramadan allows us to shield ourselves from sin through fasting, as said by the Prophet (pbuh): “Fasting is a shield.”

(Photo courtesy of Nasima Khan)