Understanding Ramadan: Practices and Observance

As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims worldwide prepare to engage in a period of daily fasting from dawn until sunset. This sacred time is marked by heightened worship, reflection, acts of charity, and good deeds. The month often sees families and friends gathering for festive meals to break their fast together, a celebration that strengthens social bonds.

Following the month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Throughout Ramadan, people from diverse Muslim communities are united through religious rituals and the spiritual essence of the month. Ramadan often highlights global issues pertinent to many Muslims, including ongoing conflicts and political challenges. This year, the holy month begins as a fragile ceasefire continues between Israel and Hamas. The conflict, which erupted after an attack on Israel, has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction in Gaza.

In the Middle East, this Ramadan marks a new chapter for Syrians after the fall of the Assad government, an event that ended decades of rule by the Assad family. As communities around the world prepare for Ramadan, they focus on its significance.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, moving through the seasons over time. The commencement of Ramadan is traditionally marked by the sighting of the crescent moon. In 2023, Ramadan is anticipated to begin around March 1. However, the exact start date can vary among different Muslim communities, determined by different interpretations and sightings of the lunar calendar.

Fasting is one of Islam’s Five Pillars, alongside faith, prayer, almsgiving, and pilgrimage. Muslims fast to cultivate God-consciousness, practice self-restraint, enrich gratitude, and express solidarity with those who are less fortunate. The fast entails abstaining from food and drink, including water, from dawn until the sunset meal of “iftar.” Beyond abstaining from food, Muslims strive to avoid negative behaviors and enhance positive actions during this month.

Many Muslims dedicate more time to prayers and reading the Quran, their holy book, while charity becomes a cornerstone of Ramadan. Muslims may provide meals for those in need or organize communal iftar gatherings. The pre-dawn meal, or “suhoor,” is consumed to prepare for the day’s fast.

Exemptions from fasting are granted for individuals with health concerns or those traveling, who can make up missed fasting days later.

Ramadan customs vary across cultures. In Egypt, for instance, the month is celebrated with colorful lanterns adorning homes and streets, while traditional songs mark the season. The mesaharati, a figure who drums through neighborhoods, awakens people for their pre-dawn meal.

In several countries, the month features a lineup of new television series. Yet, there is a growing concern that commercialization, alongside an emphasis on decorations and social gatherings, might detract from Ramadan’s spiritual focus. Nevertheless, many believe in balancing festivities with religious observances.

In Indonesia, cultural traditions vary from region to region during Ramadan, such as Meugang festivities in Aceh, where families gather for a communal meal. Meanwhile, in Tangerang, residents partake in symbolic cleansing rituals in the Cisadane River.

In India, bustling markets offer dates and sweets, while streets come alive with prayers and festive gatherings. Sufi shrines become popular sites for spiritual visits during this time.

In the United States, where Muslims form a diverse community, Ramadan is largely characterized by communal experiences, from mosque gatherings and prayer sessions to interfaith iftar events. Some major retailers have even started offering Ramadan-themed decorations.