Ramadan Reflections by a Muslim colleague at Near Neighbours
Ramadan is a time like no other in the year. Everything changes, my daily routines, from my morning cup of tea to my usual lunch breaks, are replaced by an entirely different rhythm. Even my sleep schedule shifts as I stay up later for prayers and wake up before dawn to eat. The stark contrast between this month and the rest of the year makes Ramadan feel truly special. It is a time of reflection, discipline, and spiritual growth. However, balancing the demands of Ramadan with work, family responsibilities, and everyday life can be challenging. Juggling fasting, prayers, children, and household tasks requires careful planning, but once my household settles into the new routine, it becomes a rewarding and transformative experience.
For me, Ramadan is an opportunity to deepen my connection with God, Allah in Arabic. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink, it is a spiritual discipline that teaches self restraint and mindfulness. The daily fasts, moments of quiet reflection, and the extra prayers at night help me feel a renewed sense of faith. Taraweeh, the late-night prayers performed during Ramadan, are especially significant. Though they can be tiring after a long day they provide a sense of closeness to God, as I listen to or recite as much of the Qur’an as possible.
One of the most profound lessons of Ramadan is gratitude. Going without food and water for hours on end reminds me of the countless blessings I often take for granted. It makes me reflect on the struggles of those who experience hunger daily, not out of choice, but due to poverty and hardship. This awareness encourages me to waste less, appreciate more, and extend a helping hand to those in need. Charity (known as sadaqah and zakat) is a key part of Ramadan, and I try to contribute in any way I can, whether by donating to charities, feeding those in need, or simply offering kindness to others.
Ramadan is also a time of personal development. Beyond the physical and spiritual aspects, it teaches patience and self-control, not just in resisting hunger and thirst, but in managing emotions, thoughts, and reactions. It is a month of striving to become a better person, fostering kindness, empathy and understanding in all interactions.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Ramadan is the sense of togetherness it brings. Sharing Iftar meals with family and friends, attending prayers in mosques, and participating in community events reinforce the importance of faith as a collective experience. In today’s fast paced world, it is easy to feel isolated, but Ramadan reminds me of the power of unity and the strength of the bonds we share with one another.
As the month comes to an end, I always feel a mix of gratitude and sadness. Ramadan passes so quickly, and I know I will miss its unique spiritual energy. However, the joy of Eid, the festival that marks the end of fasting, brings celebration, love and connection with loved ones. Though Ramadan lasts only a month, the lessons it teaches stay with me throughout the year, shaping my faith and perspective long after the final fast is broken.