Tips to support your Muslim friends during Ramadan

Although for some it might seem like any other March, this year it holds the first few weeks of Ramadan.

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan holds significance for not just my family and me, but for billions of Muslims worldwide.

This holy month is not just a time of prayer, fasting and reflection; it is also a reminder of gratitude, patience, charity and other valuable virtues.

As you witness your fellow Muslim friends and colleagues observe this holy month, it is important to understand some of the ways you can show support during this sacred time of the year.

To start off with a bit of background on Ramadan, it has a rich history that dates all the way back to the 7th century CE.

This was the month that the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) that spanned over a period of 23 years.

During this month, Muslims are expected to refrain from eating and drinking (yes, even water).

This includes food, drinks and other substances from dawn until sunset—or more specifically from the first prayer of the day, Fajr, to the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib.

Muslims are also to refrain from other acts such as lying, gossiping or any other harmful or sinful activities.

The act of fasting is intended to practice self-discipline and show compassion for those less fortunate.

It is also a month intended to focus on spiritual reflection and to strengthen your relationship with Allah.

Some of the few ways Muslims do this is by reading the entirety of the Quran over the 30 days of Ramadan.

Depending on your schedule, I’ve set aside time every night to recite a juz. A juz is a section of the Quran that is divided into 30 sections intended to make it easier for Muslims to read and recite the Quran. For many Muslims like me who have health issues and are not able to fast, this is one of the many ways I can participate in Ramadan. Others include acts of charity, prayer and acts of kindness.

For those who might have Muslim friends and are not sure how to support them during this sacred time, one of the first ways is to simply understand the importance of Ramadan.

Feel free to ask us any questions, but it is also important to do some research on your own. Educating and understanding the significance of Ramadan shows your respect of their faith and practices.

This goes hand in hand with patience. In the beginning of Ramadan, it might take a while for those to adjust to fast throughout the day, and it is helpful to understand and to be considerate of this change in their daily routine. I know when my family are fasting and are adjusting to the first couple of days, I have to remember that fasting can have both a physical and mental toll on them.

The way I like to make fasting just a bit easier for them is making Iftar. This is the meal after Maghrib, when Muslims break their fast. These little acts of kindness can make a significant difference in bettering their Ramadan experience.

As I mentioned briefly, Ramadan can cause a drastic change to one’s daily routine, and it’s important to be considerate of your friend’s new schedule when planning gatherings or events during Ramadan. For example, when my friends and I are planning on going out for dinner during Ramadan, we make sure to check the time they can break their fast so that way we can all enjoy dinner together. By considering their fasting schedule, you show respect and allow them to fully immerse themselves in their practices while also creating an inclusive environment by acknowledging these religious practices.

One of my favorite ways of enjoying this month with my non-Muslim friends is inviting them over for Iftar. As someone who loves to cook and bake for my loved ones, there is no better way of creating meaningful relationships than through the shared love of food.

If you feel comfortable, you can join your Muslim friends during Iftar and experience the breaking of fast together as it is a fantastic way to show solidarity and enjoy some amazing (free) food. I love sharing aspects of my culture with others, especially through traditional Somali food, and it is a wonderful opportunity to have meaningful conversations.

Funnily enough, next week the CSB Interfaith Leadership Team will be hosting an Iftar Dinner next Wednesday at the Multicultural Center. This is a great opportunity for those who might not be familiar with Ramadan to learn all about its importance and enjoy some delicious food. Check out their Instagram page @ csb.ilt to scan the QR code and RSVP to take part in this event.

Ramadan goes beyond just the practice of refraining from eating and drinking; it is about a time of reflection on the importance of community, charity and creating a stronger relationship with Allah. By engaging with your Muslim friends through understanding, kind gestures and shared meals, you show respect for their practices and foster an environment of inclusivity and compassion.

These gestures, although seeming small or simple, go a long way in making your fellow Muslim friends’ Ramadan more meaningful. These acts not only make their month that much more enjoyable being able to share it with you, but also help enrich your understanding of this month that billions of Muslims observe each year all around the world.