Ramadan: A month of peace, tranquility, and spiritual rejuvenation
Photograph by Abdullah Arif via Unsplash
Sawsan Abubaker
Ramadan has always held a special place in my heart — a blessed month unlike any other time of year. It is a time when the air feels lighter, the soul is more at peace, and the heart is fully open. This year, beginning on March 1, 2025, Ramadan brings with it a much-needed sense of tranquility and deep spiritual connection. During these challenging times, the essence of Ramadan — spiritual healing, renewal, breaking barriers, and strengthening community — feels more vital than ever.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, lasts 29 to 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. It was during this sacred month, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him[i]) as a guiding light for humanity. The revelation began on Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, which is believed to fall in the last ten nights of Ramadan, most commonly believed to be on the 27th night. For Muslims, it is the holiest night of the year, filled with immense spiritual significance, where worship is considered more rewarding than a thousand months of devotion.
On this extraordinary night, the heavens draw nearer to the earth, and divine mercy envelops the world. According to Islamic belief, angels descend in great numbers, carrying blessings and peace to Earth. It is a moment when the barriers between celestial and earthly beings feel thinner, filling the hearts of believers with hope and an overwhelming sense of closeness to Allah. The Qur’an describes this night as one in which the angels, including Angel Gabriel, descend with Allah’s permission, making it an unparalleled opportunity for prayer, forgiveness, and deep spiritual awakening.
It is important to note that Allah is simply the Arabic word for God, used by both Muslims and Arab Christians in their prayers. This highlights the shared monotheistic belief that binds Islam, Christianity, and Judaism together. Muslims believe that Islam is not a separate or isolated faith but rather a completion of the divine messages that came before it, building upon the teachings of previous prophets. This intrinsic connection is reflected in many aspects of worship, including fasting.
Ramadan is more than just a time of fasting; it is a journey of the soul. From dawn until sunset, Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs — not as a burden, but as an act of worship, self-discipline, and empathy. As the Quran states, “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺” (2:183). Fasting reminds us of the blessings we often take for granted and deepens our compassion for those who struggle daily with hunger and hardship.
The benefits of fasting extend beyond spiritual gains to include physical advantages. Fasting promotes better overall health (although it is not suitable for everybody depending on their medical conditions, medical history, age, fitness, and other factors). Scientific studies have shown that fasting can reduce stress, lower the risk of chronic diseases, improve mood, and enhance mental alertness. It is a holistic practice that nurtures both body and soul, reinforcing the idea that faith and well-being are deeply interconnected. Muslims believe that Allah does not prescribe guidelines designed to harm them, but to benefit them mentally, physically, and emotionally. Our mind, body, and emotional well-being are entrusted to us by Allah, and we are expected to take care of these important responsibilities.
Across Abrahamic faiths, fasting serves as a bridge — uniting believers in their pursuit of self-discipline, gratitude, and devotion. It is a shared human experience that transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing our collective yearning for spiritual growth and inner peace.
This sacred practice of fasting is not unique to Islam. In Judaism, fasting is observed on Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av, among other occasions, as a means of atonement and spiritual purification. Christians, too, practice fasting, especially during Lent, as a time of reflection, sacrifice, and closeness to God. Across these Abrahamic faiths, fasting serves as a bridge — uniting believers in their pursuit of self-discipline, gratitude, and devotion. It is a shared human experience that transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing our collective yearning for spiritual growth and inner peace. But beyond fasting, we are connected in even deeper ways, as Islam builds upon the foundations of Judaism and Christianity, reaffirming messages of monotheism, compassion, and righteousness.
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) beautifully emphasize these shared values. Through his words and actions, he teaches his followers the importance of compassion, love, and respect for all humanity. His lessons exemplify the need for kindness toward neighbors, the poor, and even strangers. Ramadan serves as a powerful reminder of these teachings, inspiring Muslims to embody these virtues in their daily lives, strengthening their connection to faith, community, and the world around them.
Ramadan is also a month of generosity. Acts of charity take center stage as Muslims strive to support those in need, embodying the spirit of giving and compassion. Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast, is a time of togetherness, where families, friends, and even strangers gather to share food and gratitude. The sweetness of a date at sunset is more than just a tradition; it is a moment of joy, humility, and appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon us.
Throughout the month, special prayers called Taraweeh bring people together in mosques, where the Quran is recited in sections every night, in congregation, until it is completed by the last day of Ramadan. Late-night prayers, moments of solitude, and whispered supplications create an atmosphere of spiritual awakening. Some Muslims dedicate the last ten days to I’tikaaf, a retreat in the mosque for undisturbed worship and reflection, seeking closeness to the Divine.
As Ramadan draws to a close, the anticipation of Eid-ul-Fitr fills the air — a joyous celebration of devotion, gratitude, and renewal. The day begins with communal prayers, followed by gatherings, feasts, and acts of charity, reminding us that the values of Ramadan — patience, generosity, and self-discipline — should extend beyond the month itself.
Eid is celebrated with rich cultural diversity across the world:
Middle East: Grand feasts, Eidiya (gifts for children and gift exchanges for teens and adults), monetary gifts for women in the family, and fireworks mark the occasion.
South Asia: Traditions such as sheer khurma (a festive dessert), henna, and family visits take center stage.
Southeast Asia: Homecoming reunions and open house feasts bring loved ones together.
Turkey: Known as Şeker Bayramı (Sugar Feast), the celebration is filled with sweets and warm hospitality.
Africa: Prayers, charity, and traditional foods unite communities.
Western countries: Multicultural gatherings and interfaith events highlight unity and togetherness.
No matter where it is observed, Eid is a time of spiritual reflection, generosity, and shared joy, bringing families and communities together in celebration of faith and unity.
At its core, Ramadan is a time of transformation. It teaches us to be more mindful, more grateful, and more connected — to Allah, to our community, and to our shared humanity. As I embrace this blessed month once again, I am reminded of the profound beauty in fasting, a tradition that unites us across faiths and cultures, drawing us all closer to the essence of what it means to be human.
This is the first article in our Ramadan 2025 series.
Sawsan Abubaker is a Palestinian Muslim American and a federally licensed tax strategist. Beyond numbers, she harnesses her creativity and the power of words to break barriers and build meaningful connections. A co-founder of Meet your Allies, a Chicago-based open space for dialogue between Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Arab, Pakistani, and other communities, as well as a devoted mother of three and proud grandmother of six, she finds joy in nurturing her family and strengthening her community. Through her work and storytelling, she strives to inspire understanding and unity.
The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of American Baptist Home Mission Societies.
[i] Peace Be Upon Him is a phrase Muslims use after mentioning the name of the Prophet Muhammad and other prophets to show love and respect for them.
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