Ramadan: Cultivating Communication and Understanding

With about 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world. However, Ramadan—despite being one of Islam's most significant holidays—is far lesser-known. With over 400,000 Muslims currently residing in Texas, and the United States having faced tumultuous past few years, it's more crucial now than ever to increase communication and understanding between communities and foster empathy and respect.

Falling on the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, Ramadan marks the month when the angel Gabriel revealed the Quran (also spelled Koran, believed to be the exact words of God) to the prophet Mohammed as the holy text in c. 610 A.D. Of the five pillars of Islam—shahada (declaration of faith and loyalty to God), prayer, zakat (almsgiving), fasting, and pilgrimage—fasting and almsgiving are most emphasized during the month.

This year, Ramadan begins on April 2nd and ends on May 2nd. The official end to Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast-Breaking, roughly translated), a community celebration that begins the day after fasting has ended and lasts for three days.

Siblings celebrating the end of Ramadan.

The Rules to Fasting:

For the entire month, Muslims are to fast from sunrise to sunset and devote themselves to reflection and prayer. They must also abstain from impure thoughts and activities, such as smoking and drinking. Exceptions to those required to fast include the sick and elderly, young children, and pregnant or nursing women. Before the fast begins, a pre-dawn meal called suhoor provides initial energy to start the day. Then, in the evening, the fast is broken with iftar, a meal eaten with close friends and family. The fast is usually broken by eating dates since it is widely believed that Mohammed broke his fasts with the fruit.

Fasting and Zakat:

While self-reflection does seem a bit difficult to achieve when hungry, the practice's purpose is to remind one to empathize with those less fortunate, and in undergoing the plight of the hungry, to gain empathy and be charitable towards those in need. Mosques often run food drives and other actions during Ramadan to underscore the emphasis on giving.

“Overall, there is a pervading sense of optimism and communal joy as prayers and thanks are offered to God. ”

Eid al-Fitr

During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims partake in prayers and community and family celebrations by cooking special meals, gifting presents to children, and giving to those in need. Overall, there is a pervading sense of optimism and communal joy as prayers and thanks are offered to God.  

Two young children enjoy a sweet treat during Eid al-Fitr.

Fun Fact!

The fanous, or Arabic for lantern, has become a worldwide cultural symbol for Ramadan, representing light and hope! The symbol's origins, while somewhat murky, are believed to have originated from early Egypt during the Fatimid Dynasty, when children in Cario would hold up lanterns to light the path for the Caliph when he visited the city during the holy month.

As Christians end Lent in April and Muslims begin Ramadan, the two observances well remind us of not only deepening our relationship with God but between ourselves as well. And perhaps, above all, they remind us of the fundamental obligation we hold to treating each other with charity and dignity.