The questions about Ramadan are always pretty much the same.

First there is interest in how we observe the sacred month, which began this week. Then there is shock at how intense the requirement of fasting is..

“Wait, so you fast all the way from before sunrise to sunset?”

You can’t even drink water?”

“I could never do that.”

For us, and many other muslims part of Ramadan is about food, but that's not all it's about.

It’s also a time for self reflection and spiritual growth by becoming more mindful of our physical intake (food and water) and being more mindful of the one who bestowed those blessings upon us.

It’s moment of mindfulness to remind us not just how lucky we are in comparison to others but how better we can be when we practice better manners, empathy and kindness by giving more to charity — it’s a fast of the tongue as well as a fast of the body.

It’s a tool used in time to help us to bring about a real internal change in ourselves.

Today the concept of fasting can be found in all major religions of the world and forms an integral part of religious worship. For Muslims, it is a requirement in the Quran and pillar of Islam, therefore mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims.

Fasting, as a whole has numerous intended benefits. Besides denying ourselves what is prohibited spiritually, fasting also helps us live positively as well.

Since sin is born out of ingratitude, fasting makes us more aware of our blessings, hence more grateful and driven to good. This is what makes us more conscious — we become more conscious of our blessings and we become more conscious of how we use those blessings ourselves.

In turn, we become more conscious of those who don’t have regular access to those blessings that we are voluntarily refraining from. Which allows us to become more intentional about channeling those blessings to those we may have otherwise forgotten.

It’s about living a simple and humble life and appreciating the blessings we have.

Of course, part of Ramadan is about the food - but what it’s really about is helping us become good and better people, that are kind and empathetic not just to ourselves but to those around us.

It’s about more than abstaining from food. It’s also about sharing the love, understanding and enjoying the simplicities of what life has to offer.

So, from us to you, Ramadan Mubarak to you and yours.

May this month of Ramadan bring to you grace, community, understanding, humility & compassion ✨

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