Boys in Saudi Arabia read the Quran during Ramadan.
© Abdullah Alshathri

Learning From Cultural Traditions

The month-long observation of Ramadan began earlier in July, when the thin crescent of the new moon was spotted. This celebration is particularly important to Muslims because it is believed that the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This month, known as “Ramadan,” lent its name to the holy celebration.

No matter your beliefs, there are opportunities for personal growth within the cultural traditions practiced during this holiday.

Take Time for Self-Reflection

The focus of Ramadan is spiritual strengthening and self-improvement.

One important way Muslims do this is through prayer, which is done at specific times throughout a day. For an idea of the schedule, this electronic guide gives the prayer times in your area.

People read the Quran, the Islamic holy book, daily during Ramadan; some use the month to read the entire book.

A man pauses from work to read the Quran.
© Abdullah Alshathri

Exercise Self-Control

Fasting, or sawm, is considered one of the five pillars, or key acts, of Islam. Fasting during Ramadan is observed from dawn to sunset.

Before dawn, observers begin the day with suhoor, the morning meal. Then there are the first prayers. Prayers continue throughout the day. After sunset, many break their fast with dates, as the prophet Muhammad did. After evening prayers, friends and families gather for the holy feast, iftar.

Sawm means “to refrain.” While people refrain from food and drink during the day, many also believe Ramadan is an important time to refrain from behavior such as speaking badly of others, listening to gossip, going to sinful places, or looking at immoral things.

Bags of dates at a Saudi market
© Abdullah Alshathri

Give Selflessly

Ramadan is also a time for charity and sacrifice. While Muslims are expected to give to charity throughout the year (zakāt, or giving to charity, is another one of the pillars of Islam), the rewards for giving during Ramadan are considered even greater.

Many Muslim communities work together to raise money or collect offerings for the poor. Some organize community iftar and welcome everyone to the meal.

In addition, people believe that going without food and drink during the long days helps them empathize with those who regularly must do without food.

Sharing a meal with the community during Ramadan
© Abdullah Alshathri

Celebrate Your Achievements

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, when the next new moon is sighted. Joyous worshippers put on new clothes and meet at mosques to offer their prayers. They enjoy a large feast, give toys and gifts, and celebrate the end of the fasting. People also make donations to charity so the less fortunate can celebrate as well.

Celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Baltimore, Maryland
© Aïdah Rasheed

Personal Growth

Oh, I see. Even though I am not Muslim, I can apply what I’ve learned from the cultural traditions of Ramadan:

• Regularly pause to gather my thoughts; be quiet and focused.
• Have the control to restrain my words and actions.
• Give to others in need.
• Celebrate my accomplishments!

Ramadan Mubarak—Have a blessed Ramadan.

For more information on Islamic culture, see Hadith of the Day and Productive Muslim.

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