Leagerly wait for Ramazan, as it is my favorite time of the year. And no, it is not only because of the sehri and iftar feasts we all enjoy throughout the month!
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Leagerly wait for Ramazan, as it is my favorite time of the year. And no, it is not only because of the sehri and iftar feasts we all enjoy throughout the month! It’s the overall feeling of purity and spirituality that pervades the air—it is almost tangible. I love going to the mosque for taraweeh and enjoy shopping for clothes and bangles not only for myself but also for my relatives, friends, and household help.
I am an avid reader and love Netflix as well as the TV dramas aired by various channels, but I make it a point to finish whatever I am reading and watching before Ramazan begins. To me, Ramazan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of deep reflection, spiritual growth, and self-discipline.
While fasting from dawn to dusk is a mandatory aspect of Ramazan, the month is not only about giving up food from fajr to maghrib; it is a time for charity, kindness, and generosity. While feeling hunger pangs or simply the feeling that we cannot eat although we can afford to indulge our appetites in whatever we want, it is only natural to be reminded the importance of helping those in need. Fasting allows us to feel compassion for those who face food insecurity daily. This awareness naturally leads to a spirit of giving because as Muslims we are encouraged to share our wealth and blessings with those who are struggling, especially if they are our family members. So, Ramazan is a time for strengthening bonds with family and relatives.
Abstaining from food and drink is the easier part of Ramazan (I speak for myself, people! It may be different for others!) The essence of Ramazan, however, is also about purifying the soul and developing a sense of empathy for the less fortunate. Islam places great emphasis on charity, and in Ramazan Muslims all over the world give zakat and sadaqah. Zakat is a compulsory form of charity where we are required to donate a portion of our wealth to help the poor, while sadaqah refers to voluntary acts of kindness and charity. During Ramazan, these forms of giving gain even greater significance, as it is believed that rewards for good deeds are multiplied many times over.
Family first
Family holds a special place in Islam, and Ramazan is a time when people make extra efforts to reconnect with their relatives. Islam encourages maintaining strong ties with family members, known as sila-e-rahmi, and helping them in times of need is something Allah loves! So, in Ramazan wealthier family members support those who are financially struggling by offering monetary assistance, providing food, or helping with essential expenses. In many cultures, it is common for families to come together for iftar and sehri, strengthening bonds and ensuring that no one in the family is left alone or in distress.
In Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, etc. families gather in large numbers to break their fast, often starting with dates and water, followed by traditional dishes like kabsa (spiced rice with meat) or ful medames (stewed fava beans). In many households, extended family members, neighbours, and even strangers are welcomed to share the meal.
In our country, people are very generous during Ramazan. I have seen iftar tables filled with pakoras, samosas, chana chaat, and rooh afza on roadside, offering the people food. It’s common for relatives and neighbours to send trays of iftar to each other’s homes.
In Turkey, it is a custom with many people to invite friends, relatives, or even strangers to their homes to share in the blessings of Ramazan with tasty dishes like mercimek çorbas (lentil soup), stuffed vegetables, and pide (Turkish bread).
In Indonesia and Malaysia, families come together for iftar with dishes like nasi lemak (coconut rice), bubur lambuk (spiced porridge), and ketupat (rice dumplings wrapped in palm leaves). Mosques and community centers also host large-scale iftar gatherings where people from different backgrounds eat together.
Helping the less fortunate
Beyond family, Ramazan is a time to extend support to the wider community, particularly those in need. Many individuals and charitable organizations take the initiative to distribute iftar meals, donate clothes, and provide financial assistance to the underprivileged. Mosques and community centers often organize food drives, ensuring that no one goes hungry during this sacred month.
One of the most common charitable acts during Ramazan is the donation of iftar meals to the homeless, orphans, and daily wage workers. Many affluent Muslims also contribute to building water wells, supporting educational initiatives, and funding medical treatments for those who cannot afford them. The goal is to alleviate suffering and spread kindness, reinforcing the Islamic principle that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in giving to others.
No gossiping!
We have a tendency to gossip, which is often seen as harmless but is not permitted in our religion. The word used to describe what many consider mere fun is gheebat. The definition of gheebat is quite simple: it refers to saying anything about someone in their absence that they would dislike if they heard it.
Gossiping or engaging in gheebat should be avoided at all costs, especially during Ramazan, as it diminishes the reward of good deeds. According to Islamic teachings, when one speaks ill of others, the rewards of their good actions are transferred to those they were gossiping about. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of our words and strive to maintain purity in both speech and actions.
The rewards of generosity
The act of giving during Ramazan is deeply rewarding, both spiritually and emotionally. According to our beliefs, acts of charity not only benefit the recipient but also purify the giver’s soul and bring them closer to Allah. According to Tirmidhi, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of charity, stating, ‘The best charity is that given in Ramazan.’
Moreover, giving fosters a sense of gratitude and humility. It reminds individuals of their blessings and encourages them to be mindful of those who are less fortunate. By practicing generosity, one cultivates a more compassionate and selfless outlook on life, which extends beyond Ramazan and becomes a lifelong habit.
As the doors of mercy and blessings open wide, let us all embrace the opportunity to spread love, compassion, and generosity, making the world a better place for everyone.
