Muslims across the world are currently settling into the second week of a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
For me, like many Muslims, the last few weeks leading up to Ramadan were greeted with “I’m not ready!” and “I cannot wait!” – after all, it is the most beautiful and serene time of the year, and each year we aim to be and do better.
Why Muslims celebrate Ramadan
For those of you who don’t know, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is when Prophet Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Qur’an – the holy book for Muslims. The ‘Night of Power’ (Laylat al-Qadr) commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, usually the 27th night – is when God revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad through angel Gabriel, as ‘a guidance for the people’.
On this holiest night of the year, many Muslims stay up dedicating their time to prayer and reading of the Qur’an (it’s also when my Mum brings out platters of fruit, tea, and dates).
A time to test and strengthen ourselves
Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam, and it is not only the abstinence of food and water from dawn to sunset, but also of that which is bad for you. You might hear your Muslim friends or colleagues jokingly say, “Please don’t test me this month!” – and there is good reason for it!
This month is a test – it’s when we become more aware of our behaviours and manners, and of how giving and kind we truly are to others, including to ourselves. It is a time of reflection and an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God/Allah (SWT) and practice good deeds. This of course is no easy task, but one which is so rewarding, that the end of Ramadan is often emotional, and we wish we could do it all over again.
Thankfully, all that we learn and strengthen during the month, is something we commit to continuing for the rest of the year. Hope is reborn and gratitude is reciprocated.
Extending support and care to others through Zakat
Ramadan is about community. So it makes sense that many Muslims choose to donate their Zakat during Ramadan. Zakat is Arabic for "growth and purity" – it requires Muslims to donate at least 2.5% of their wealth to charity or those who need it every year.
This year, we launched our Ramadan Appeal at Save the Children UK. All money donated to our Zakat Fund will go to children who need it most in predominantly Muslim countries.
Ramadan Mubarak
I’m already really enjoying Ramadan this year and for all the blessings it continues to have in store for me, my family, and the ummah (worldwide community of Muslims).
To all my Muslim colleagues at Save the Children, and to all of the charity’s donors and supporters, I wish you Ramadan Mubarak from my family to yours!
