Ramadan

It is hard to appreciate a simple glass of cold water or a warm meal until you go without them. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam—the core duties of the faith—and its primary purpose is to deepen one's devotion to God and practice self-restraint. Muslims revere this month because it marks when the Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, was first revealed. Enduring hunger and thirst also serves as a reminder to be grateful for everyday blessings and builds empathy for those living in poverty.

During fasting hours, Muslims do not consume any food or even a drop of water. But the fast goes beyond an empty stomach. Observers also make a conscious effort to avoid lying, gossiping, losing their temper, or arguing. In essence, they fast from negative words and harmful actions as well.

By resisting basic desires throughout the day, believers build patience and cleanse their inner thoughts. Charity is especially emphasized during this month. Near the end of Ramadan, Muslims give a mandatory charitable donation (Zakat al-Fitr) to support those in need. It is a time for purification and self-reflection, grounded in humility and care for others.

Fasting does not mean starving nonstop for 24 hours a day for an entire month. Before the first light of dawn, Muslims wake up for a nourishing pre-dawn meal called 'suhoor.' Once the sun sets, they gather with family and friends to break their fast with an evening meal called 'iftar.' In other words, the fast takes place only from dawn until sunset.

Islam does not require anyone to fast if doing so would harm their health. Children, the elderly, pregnant or nursing mothers, the sick, travelers on long journeys, and women who are menstruating or recovering from childbirth are exempt from fasting. Those facing temporary situations—like illness, travel, or menstruation—make up the missed days later. Those who cannot fast permanently due to old age or chronic illness feed a person in need for each missed day instead. Young children have no obligation to fast, and religious scholars hold varying opinions on how pregnant and nursing mothers make up their days.

Ramadan begins roughly 11 days earlier each year on the standard solar calendar. This is because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, which tracks the phases of the moon. As a result, Ramadan cycles through every season over approximately 33 years—sometimes arriving during the long, sweltering days of summer, and other times during the short, cool days of winter.

When the month of fasting draws to a close, Muslims celebrate a major holiday called 'Eid al-Fitr' (the Festival of Breaking the Fast). Much like Thanksgiving or the winter holidays, families and relatives put on their finest clothes, gather together, and exchange warm greetings of peace and joy.

On the morning of Eid, communities assemble for a special prayer service, followed by grand feasts shared among neighbors and friends. Children delight in receiving cash gifts, sweets, and presents from their elders. It is a joyful celebration honoring the patience and discipline shown throughout the previous weeks.

Far from being just a test of endurance, Ramadan is a time when daily iftar meals and the concluding Eid celebration nurture warm community bonds and togetherness.