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Wednesday, February 18, marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide by fasting from food and water from dawn to dusk.
The pre-dawn meal is called suhoor, and the evening meal is known as iftar, which means “breaking the fast,” usually with dates and water. Each family and country offers different dishes and desserts special to this month, such as lentil soup and walnut-stuffed dates.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which follows a 12-month lunar cycle with approximately 354 days. The calendar is based on the moon, so it shifts around 10 days earlier each year on the Gregorian Calendar.
During Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, and focus on spiritual growth. Also emphasized are self-control and compassion for the less fortunate as Muslims focus on devotion to God and spend additional time reading the Qur’an, giving charity, and performing special prayers.
Fasting extends beyond food and water as Ramadan encourages mindfulness about your daily actions, such as being intentional with your speech and refraining from gossiping or using profanity. For many, this month serves as a physical and spiritual reset by strengthening positive habits.
Beyond reflection, Ramadan is also a highly social time when families and friends gather to break their fast together. After iftar, coffee shops and other spaces buzz with people socializing, spending time together, and continuing an evening’s celebrations. Hasan C. said, “I love coming together with my religious community and using each other to push through the month.”
Noor A. says, “I love to gather with the Muslim community, break fast together, and finish my day with a community prayer.”
The holy month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, or the “festival of breaking the fast,” a celebration of completing the month, marked by presents and spending time with family and friends, following a morning prayer.
For me, Ramadan is a time that reminds me to slow down, reflect, and spend time with my community. I enjoy going to people’s houses for iftar and attending Academy’s annual dinner. This year’s Iftar dinner was held on Friday, February 27, with the MECCA and MENA affinity groups encouraging everyone to attend.
