March 11, 2024 marks the day when Muslims across the world unite to participate in 30 days of the Ramadan, or Sawm, season. The word ‘Ramadan’ stems from the Arabic root word الرَمَضُ (ar-ramad), meaning ‘scorching heat.’ It describes Ramadan as a month of abstinence and giving up the luxuries we often take for granted. 

Ramadan commemorates the month when the Qur’an, Islam’s most sacred text, was sent to Earth from heaven through the Angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) and delivered to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). One of the most sacred nights of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, the very night when the Qur’an was revealed. Because the Muslim calendar is lunar, Ramadan’s schedule shifts every year. During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims celebrate and pray for the night of the revelation of the Qur’an, which is believed to occur during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, on a calm and peaceful night. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and then break their vow of abstinence with a date. This means no consumption of any food or drinking of any water until after Al-Maghrib, the sunset prayer, is prayed. Of course, there are certain exemptions.  They include prepubescent children, women going through menstruation, people suffering from affliction, or pregnant women.   

The purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to worship Allah, and to discipline a Muslim’s soul by sacrificing the pleasures of eating. Fasting is also a means to empathize with the less fortunate and to understand and feel their hardships. Through the act, one solidifies and grows in their relationship with Allah. Fasting and actively participating in Ramadan is an important tradition for Muslims, as it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. 

After the 30 days of Ramadan have concluded, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated. It is a celebration that commemorates the end of Ramadan. During Eid al-Fitr, it is prohibited to fast during the day, and there are large community prayer services that occur during the morning.  Usually, gifts are also exchanged during the celebrations, and Muslims are encouraged to be benevolent during this time by participating in a form of almsgiving known as Zakat.
Zakat is also another pillar of Islam, and performing it grants great rewards. 

Ramadan is a month of self-reflection and focusing on one’s own faith. It is important for every Muslim to participate in it and to seek forgiveness for their sins. It is a month of peace, uniting all Muslims throughout the world.