Ramadan is a month to go inward and reflect to deepen one’s faith and commitment to becoming a better person and working to better the world. The month is characterized by fasting consecutively for 30 days and optional night prayers in addition to the five daily prayers. The fasting day starts in the morning before dawn, as one hurriedly makes a heavy breakfast to get by through the day. I find myself making a minute by minute plan so I can do it in the shortest time possible to get more sleep in. It is hard to eat so early in the morning, especially if you have been to a communal iftar followed by the optional night prayers the evening before, but it is all about challenging oneself and shaking up our automatic ways of behavior.
The most important practice beyond daylight non-eating is spiritual reflection. The physical fasting is a feast for the soul, as it intentionally focuses on being kind and gentle and generous. You become mindful of the abundance you have, and the spirit of love, humility, gratitude and generosity expands. The hope is that this intense practice will last for the other 11 months until we reach Ramadan again.
The introspective aspect of fasting is lightened up by communal iftars. A fast is so much more fun when you have an opportunity to break it with others, whether in a home or in a mosque!
Togetherness is emphasized during Ramadan, which makes it so much more meaningful and joyful; it also bonds us spiritually and emotionally to those who don’t have enough to eat, and increases our empathy and commitment to help, share and give more.
May we all learn to appreciate the abundance we are blessed with and increase our sharing and giving to others throughout the year. And may we all commit to alleviating world hunger.
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