Mohammad Arfat Wani
As the crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide embark on a spiritual journey marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of charity. Far more than abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is a transformative experience—a divine curriculum in patience, gratitude, and self-purification. From Jakarta to Johannesburg, Cairo to Srinagar, this sacred month unites communities in shared rituals while leaving room for cultural nuances that reflect Islam’s rich diversity.
The Spiritual Blueprint: Fasting Beyond Hunger
At its core, Ramadan is rooted in the Quranic revelation:
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind”(Quran 2:185).
Fasting during this month is a pillar of Islam, but its purpose transcends physical discipline. A 2022 study by the University of Cambridge highlighted how fasting reshapes neural pathways, fostering mental clarity and emotional resilience. For 34-year-old Aisha Hassan, a teacher in Tral, Kashmir, Ramadan is a reset button: “It’s not just about hunger. It’s about silencing distractions—anger, gossip, greed—to reconnect with Allah.”
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized this ethos: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up food and drink” (Bukhari).
Taraweeh: The Nightly Pulse of Unity
After sunset, mosques swell with worshippers for Taraweeh, special nightly prayers where the Quran is recited in its entirety. In Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Kuala Lumpur’s Masjid Negara, and Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, the rhythmic recitation of Surah Ar-Rahman (“The Most Merciful”) draws tears from congregants.
For Imam Yusuf Qureshi of New Delhi, Taraweeh is “a collective meditation.” He notes, “Last year, a Hindu neighbor joined us out of curiosity. He left saying he felt a profound peace.”
Saher and Iftar: Meals That Bind
The pre-dawn Saher and sunset Iftar are acts of worship and community. In Egypt, the mesaharati (drummer) roams streets to wake families for Suhoor—a tradition dating back centuries. In Kashmir, households prepare phirni (rice pudding) and kehwa (saffron tea) for Iftar, while in Indonesia, markets burst with kolak (sweet banana stew).
The Prophet ﷺ urged haste in breaking the fast: “People will remain in goodness as long as they hasten to Iftar” (Bukhari). For Syrian refugees in Jordan, shared Iftar tents—funded by global charities like Islamic Relief—are lifelines of dignity amid displacement.
Zakat and Sadaqah: The Economy of Compassion
Ramadan sparks an annual “wave of giving.” In 2023, the UAE’s 100 Million Meals campaign provided food parcels across 30 countries, while in Kashmir, volunteers like 22-year-old Bilal Ahmed distribute *iftar* kits to remote villages.
The Prophet ﷺ, described as “more generous than the blowing wind” in Ramadan (Bukhari), set the standard. Modern initiatives mirror this: In London, the Ramadan Tent Project serves free meals to homeless individuals of all faiths, embodying Islam’s universal compassion.
Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Destiny
The last ten nights of Ramadan culminate in Laylatul Qadr (“Night of Decree”), when the Quran was first revealed. Muslims believe prayers on this night hold the reward of “a thousand months” (Quran 97:3).
In Makkah, millions circle the Kaaba in silent devotion. In Kashmir, families gather for Qiyam-ul-Layl (night vigils), reciting Surah Al-Qadr. For 45-year-old Fatima Begum, a survivor of the 2014 floods, this night is personal: “I pray for my son’s health here. Last year, his cancer went into remission. Coincidence? I call it mercy.”
Beyond Ramadan: Sustaining the Spark
The challenge lies in carrying Ramadan’s lessons forward. The Quran warns: “Do not let your wealth and children distract you from remembrance of Allah” (63:9).
Organizations like Indonesia’s *Dompet Dhuafa* run year-round vocational programs for Ramadan donors to support. In Kashmir, youth groups like *Green Crescent* plant trees post-Ramadan, merging ecological care with faith.
Cultural Tapestry: Ramadan Around the World
– Morocco: Street storytellers (halqa) recount tales of prophets during Iftar.
– Malaysia: Bubur Lambuk (spiced porridge) is distributed at mosques.
-Kashmir: The Shahr-e-Khaas old quarter glows with lanterns and Quranic recitations.
Yet, amid diversity, unity prevails. As Imam Omar Suleiman notes, “Ramadan is Islam’s global symphony—different instruments, same melody.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Renewal
Ramadan is not a seasonal ritual but a lifelong blueprint. For 16-year-old Ayaan from Pulwama, who memorized the Quran last Ramadan, the month was transformative: “It taught me discipline. Now, I tutor kids in my village.”
As the moon wanes, Muslims worldwide pray: “Oh Allah, let Ramadan’s light guide us beyond its days.” In a fractured world, this month remains a testament to faith’s power to heal, unite, and renew.
Note: Mohammad Arfat Wani is a writer and columnist based in Kashmir. His work focuses on spirituality, culture, and social justice. Contact: wania6817@gmail.com.
