Ramadan is known to be a very important time for Muslims and the Islamic calendar. According to brandeis.edu, “During the ninth month of the lunar year, Muslims around the world refrain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset.” The reason for this is that fasting is a private act of worship, which brings nearness to God, as well as a form of spiritual discipline to empathize with those  less fortunate. During the night, specifically during the last third of it, you pray to worship God, and it is traditionally performed in congregation at the mosque after the Isha’. Ramadan is a significant month and shows respect for the time when the first verses of the Qu’ran were revealed to Muhammad. It is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and acts of charity. Ramadan has a rich history, and almost two billion people around the world are celebrating it now as it began on March 10th and will end on April 9th.  

According to Ovaias Badar, a current participant in Ramadan, he personally sits with his family before sunrise and then after sunset to break their fast together. He prays multiple times a day and reads the Quran (the Muslim Bible). The key aspect of Ramadan is called Iftar, which is breaking the fast. It is to engage in charity and generosity during this holy month. Ovais does this with his family. 

Near the end of Ramadan, there is a celebration called Eid al- Fitr. It is a time for Muslims to come together, dress in fine attire, and attend a special prayer while eating festive meals, and exchanging gifts. They are expressing gratitude for the completion of this sacred month. Ramadan focuses on self-discipline, and community engagement. This month brings Muslims closer and strengthens their connections with Allah, the Arabic translation for God. Muslims make these sacrifices to purify their hearts and seek spiritual enlightenment. 

According to Alman Nidal, he doesn’t traditionally pray multiple times a day as Ovais does although he participates in the fasting as well. He explains that it is hard to restrain himself from eating, but he has not broken his fast before he was supposed to. Alman has a lot of self-discipline and is looking to become closer to Allah for guidance for his future. 

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, more than 25% of the world, to focus on fasting and bringing their spirits closer to Allah.