Lessons In Ramadan

8 Muslims share the lessons they’ve learnt during the month of Ramadan

Three days into the Islamic month of Ramadan, and I am reflecting on past Ramadans. I am trying to remember the very first time I fasted properly, but I can't quite recall. What I do vividly remember is my first attempt at fasting during the month of Ramadan. At 8 or 9 years old, I was intrigued by the adults around me and their commitment to this sacred tradition. I had always been eager to mature faster than my age; of course, I wanted to take part. As a compromise, my mum allowed me to fast for half a day, a gentle introduction to the practice. I was oblivious to the demands of a day of fasting and found myself unable to deny my hunger by lunchtime. I made a deal with myself: after lunch, I would begin my fast. Yet, I found myself on a detour to the corner shop after school and picked up some sweets. They were going to be my Iftar sweet treats, but I ended up stuffing my face with them outside the front door. My entrance to the house signaled my third attempt at trying to fast for half the day. Today, my fasts look very different. Despite the hunger and thirst, I am loyal to the practice.

It's funny how Ramadan always seems to come around at the perfect time. This year, with the world in complete chaos, it's particularly hard to think that there are Muslims fasting in horrendous conditions, forced into a fast as a way of erasure rather than an act of worship. And some cases not permitted to fast because of its religious symbolism. I may not remember my first fast, but years of fasting has cemented why I fast. There is a sense of freedom, with knowing why you do something.

All too often, food tends to overshadow the essence of Ramadan. We become obsessed with different the meals, stockpiling recipes, and overdoing it at the grocery store. Then there is the food waste, the overflowing food bins, which say so much about where we're at with mindful consumption. Yet Ramadan transcends mere physical abstinence; it's a test of mental fortitude, fostering personal growth and introspection. With the goal of becoming better versions of ourselves.

While it may not seem like it, Ramadan has truly, as always, come at the right time. To serve as a constant reminder of our collective power and all the privileges we've become accustomed to. And most importantly, as a reminder to take a more active role in our allyship, whether it's using our voices, time, or money, to be more conscious of the role we play. To choose principle over convenience, to keep choosing it, to continuously remind myself and realign my focus - this is what Ramadan has taught me.

Navigating the demands of Ramadan amidst the busyness of daily life can be taxing. There never feels like there is enough time. Honestly, by the halfway point, I feel as if I just have enough energy to centre the ritual of Ramadan and nothing else. But we still make it work, drawing strength from the teachings of Ramadan and the journey it signifies.

It would be cool to have a glimpse of my first real Ramadan, but alas, my memories persist in failing me. I find solace in vicariously experiencing it through a friend who this year is fasting for the first time as an adult. As a bid to help them - honestly, probably myself too - through the month, I've asked some seasoned pros to share the lessons they've learned about Ramadan and any advice on a successful Ramadan.

Ayesha Erkin, Cultural Consultant, Author and Recipe Developer: A theme in Ramadan, without being said specifically, is sacrifice. I love music. Like, LOVE. I get excited everyday thinking what I’ll listen to while I work, what playlist I want to cook to, what beats are gonna take over my body as I workout and what tunes will engulf my mind as I close my eyes to rest. I listen to music and I feel it - I feel it in my daydreams, in scenarios I see flick through my eyelids, switching moods and modes as I press next on my Spotify. The rhythm of music dictates how I work, the pace I walk, and even the mood I want to be in. So, I give it up every year during Ramadan. On the first day of Eid, immediately after we bid Ramadan goodbye, I got in my car on a beautiful sunny day shaking my iced chai as I tossed my battered emotional support Hyrdoflask of ten years on the passenger seat. I threw open my sunroof, blasted some Kaytranada, singing along and dancing feeling so euphoric I wanted to cry from joy. Beautiful, right? What a feeling. But this is why I give music up every year during Ramadan. It’s a safe addiction, but regardless, I’m very reliant on it. When you let go of something you love, it’s uncomfortable and hard. But you adapt. And if it returns, within your terms, the embrace is just so much sweeter. Subscribe to Ayesha’s Sub-stack

Furvah Shah, Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer: A lesson, I’v learnt is to take the month at your own pace, don’t compare your worship to others and search for connection in way that feels authentic to you. Check out Furvah’s writing

Chafic Mekawi, Designer: When we fast, we begin to realise that abstaining from food and water isn’t the difficult part. By subtracting nutrition from our systems, we are confronted with our subconscious, our habits, and our innermost thoughts. through this process, Allah unveils everything to us about ourselves, that had been concealed throughout the year. A fasting and purification of the soul. Follow Chafic here

Fatuma Khaireh, DJ and Podcast Producer: Ramadan is one of the few times of the year where we take stock of where we are in life and how that relates to our relationship with Allah SWT. I take it as an opportunity to reaffirm my relationship with Allah and to remember who I am. Sometimes being busy with work particularly when you’re in environments that don’t have many Muslims Ramadan creates a space where you can tell the world who you are and what your values are about. But also it’s a space where we centre the lives of people more vulnerable than ourselves. Given the genocide in Gaza, Congo, Sudan and everywhere in the world where people are suffering. It’s important to remember how important it is to think outside of ourselves and to stand firm in our commitment to bettering the lives of others. Follow Fatuma here

Fatha Hassan, Writer: Advice I have for Ramadan is to pace yourself. There are so many beautiful duas and prayers to do and it can get all so overwhelming. I always feel so guilty that i am not staying up until 3am praying or standing in taraweeh every night. You know yourself and what you can take. Ramadan is meant to open your hearts not be a time to feel shamed for not always doing everything. Follow Fatha here

Hani Hassan, Doctor and Founder of Made for HUE:  I always think about what a privilege it is to experience the mindfulness that comes with Ramadan. It gives so many moments of reflection and for disconnect from a hyper-consumerist and fast modern life. Even savouring food after a long fast is such a beautiful mercy. My advice would be to sit in the moments of discomfort or tiredness that come with Ramadan and use it to radically reflect on what you are and how you came to be. There is a clarity of thought that comes with dulling of the other senses, and it is a spiritual detox that few get to experience. Follow Hani here

Samira Larouci, Editor, Writer and Creative Consultant: Nothing helps to anchor us into our faith more than Ramadan, and I always try to use the month to really focus on the intentionality of everything I do, it’s also a great time to catch up with family and friends who you may not have made time for due to life and circumstance. Reach out to your Muslim brothers and sisters, make peace where possible, and be kind to yourself and your community, we have so much to be grateful for. Follow Samira here

Malak El-Gonemy, TV Executive: For me, Ramadan is about appreciating the community you have around you; the people you call your friends and family. People always presume that it’s just the actual act of fasting, that it’s a month of feeling exhausted, thirsty and hungry, but it’s so much more! For me, it’s the sense of community Ramadan fosters. You feel like you’re a part of something so much bigger. It connects you with others around the world in such a beautiful way. I remember visiting Istanbul during Ramadan. I hadn’t fasted in years, but something about being there made me feel like I was at home, like I was surrounded by family. I fasted for the rest of the trip, and some of my non-Muslim friends even joined in. That’s what Ramadan is about for me – people coming together. Follow Malak here

Thank you so much for reading and if you’re fasting, Ramadan Kareem :)

Zeynab x