Understanding The Importance of Ramadan
Shazzia Khan, Global Chief of Staff and Chief Talent Officer at Havas Health & You, shares a look at the celebration of the Ramadan and the impact it has on her life
“Yes, we fast for 30 days, but it’s not 24/7. “
“Yes, not even water.”
I love getting questions like these from colleagues because it means they’re curious and interested in learning. So, what is Ramadan and why do Muslims fast?
The idea behind fasting is to practice self-restraint, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. For Ramadan, fasting is done from dusk until dawn, but the practice of fasting is something all three Abrahamic faiths — Judaism, Christianity and Islam — share as a common ground.
While the length, time, occasion, and purpose of fasts may vary, the practice and benefits can be found in all three religions. Gratitude, reflection, and humility are some of the reasons behind fasting. Religious persons, and in this case specifically Muslims, believe that fasting reminds the participants to be grateful for even the simple things in their lives, like food. That gratitude and appreciation can be very humbling when it serves as a reminder of our blessings. When Muslims fast, we purify the mind, body, and soul, and appreciate the bounties given to us which might otherwise go unnoticed.
Ramadan is celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic (Lunar) calendar and commemorates the first revelation of the Quran. Therefore, the month is considered the most significant in the Islamic calendar. Toward the end of the month, Muslims celebrate Laylat al-Qadr, or “the Night of Power” — when the Angel Gabriel revealed the Quran’s first verses. On this night, which falls on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Muslims practice intense worship as they seek forgiveness for any sins. The end of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the moon on the 29th night of Ramadan, followed by a 3-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr.
Ramadan is typically 30 days of fasting from sunrise to sunset.
A standard day might look something like waking up before sunrise to have a light meal and then not eating (or drinking) until sunset. At sunset the most traditional way to break your fast is with dates, but what you eat after varies based on where in the world you are celebrating, or what you feel like eating.
Growing up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a predominately Polish neighborhood, I’ve broken fast with pierogies, Chruściki (a traditional polish dessert), alongside kebabs and samosas!
While fasting is an integral part of Ramadan, charity is equally important.
Charity, another one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is central to Islam beyond just the month of Ramadan, but during this time Muslims are asked to go above and beyond. Whether it’s empathy for those who are less fortunate, or encouraging folks to be financially generous, or volunteering across communities, Ramadan is a time for supporting others and giving back.
Ramadan forces us to take a step back.
It allows us to reassess our priorities and be more present with ourselves. It takes us out of the world of stagnancy into a period where we are closer to our religious beliefs and values. Personally, Ramadan allows me to refocus all areas of my life. It makes me think about what is important and how I adjust my time accordingly. It is a time to reflect, and to give thanks. I am thankful to work for a company where I can bring my whole self to work and an organization that promotes an atmosphere of curiosity and understanding.
