Ramadan is not just a month of hunger for Muslims. Considered to be the holiest month of the year for Muslims, this month goes far beyond fasting before sunrise to sunset. It is a month for spiritual connection, self discipline, reconnecting to faith and religious practices, remembering those who are less fortunate, and spending time with family.
Besides fasting, there are many ways non-Muslims can share the spirit of Ramadan within their communities.
Think Good Thoughts
Muslims are expected to refrain from gossip, judgmental or negative thoughts toward others and to redirect any unconstructive or spiritually harmful thoughts back toward a focus on the remembrance of God and worship. Non-Muslims can take this month as an exercise to practice good thoughts and see the good in people.
Reflective Thinking
Ramadan is a good time for reflective thoughts on self, and how to be a better person, friend, husband, wife, son, daughter, and more.
Spending Time With Family
Many companies work on shorter working hours during Ramadan in the UAE. Take this time to spend more time at home with your family and reconnect.
Remembering the Less Fortunate
Volunteer your time or money to the less fortunate. Plenty of foundations can always use a helping hand. Not sure where to start? Think about things you are passionate about: animals, education, refugees, or youth sports are just a few ideas.
During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims donate money or volunteer for charitable causes.
Zakat
Zakat is a compulsory monetary charity for Muslims from a portion of their wealth, to ensure wealth is being shared among the poor.
Sadaqah
Sadaqah is voluntarily and goes beyond monetary donations. Muslims are encouraged to do good deeds like helping their neighbors and volunteering. Even smiling at someone is considered sadaqah.
Time for Spiritual Connection
If you are a spiritual person, take time to deepen your spiritual connection through meditation, self-reflection, or readings.
Self Discipline
If there is something you had wanted to achieve but been putting off for ages, take this time to kickstart, and get more self-disciplined.
Self discipline is a significant focus for Muslims during Ramadan. Muslims do not eat food and water during the fasting period, and also abstain from sexual relations and entertainment like movies and loud music.
Fasting
Try fasting and breaking fast with an iftar with your Muslim friends and colleagues. It’s a good time to bond and learn more about each other. It also helps you appreciate what they go through during fasting.
You can also reward yourself with some popular dishes like Sambousak, Thareed, or Harees.
