Why Ramadan Is More Important To Me Than Ever

By Tasmiha Khan


Ramadan is underway. On Sunday, May 5, several Muslims across the world started fasting for the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, through Tuesday, June 4, contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon. This is the holiest month for Muslims worldwide; it marks once the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.


Observing Ramadan is more than a ritual. It is a month where I am able to renew myself spiritually despite all of the negativity that may be brewing in the world. As a minority woman who observes hijab to the perfect of my ability, my faith is visible and I am more likely to be viewed as a target by outsiders. Islamophobic sentiments are increasing and intensifying, from constant attacks on Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from President Donald Trump, to his attacks on Islam and Muslims. In April, the Home Judiciary Committee contained a hearing to “examine hate crimes, the impact white nationalist groups have on American communities, and the spread of white identity ideology” because the Hill reports. To add to the pain, imagine how, throughout a recent hearing to investigate the rise in hate crimes In America, the Residence Judiciary Committee asked Dr. Abu Salha, whose two Muslim daughters and son-in-law were murdered in a brutal hate crime in 2015, if he taught hate to his children and if Islam condones violence.


That the government is failing to adequately address the scope and magnitude of hate violence that disproportionately impacts Muslims of all backgrounds — including Black, South Asian, and Arab-American communities — isn't surprising, nevertheless it is heartbreaking. Nor does the Trump administration seem devoted to dismantling the detailed motivations in back of white nationalism or its effects, including hate violence. Yet that won’t stop us from forging ahead this Ramadan.


The inflammatory rhetoric against Islam is everywhere. It is is hurtful and trying. However I am hopeful. That’s what Ramadan — which comes from the Arabic word “ramad,” meaning intense heat — means to me. For several Muslims, Ramadan marks time for purification as well as a concerted task to strengthen our piety. Ramadan also reminds me of the struggles our country is facing — the heat from opponents of Islam, and what they are attempting to do break Muslims down.


Ramadan is well known to be a time where observant people fast from before dawn up until sunset. All Muslims who have hit puberty are obliged to fast throughout Ramadan; females who are pregnant, nursing, or on their periods, and also those who may be traveling, facing old age or chronic illness are exempt and can make it up later. Still, it’s often up to each person else to fend for themselves in environments that don’t understand why someone would observe a month-long fast.


“It could be really cooperative to have employers at least acknowledge Ramadan’s existence,” Sadeq Rahman, who is from San Jose, California, tells MTV. “There are times where someone in management won’t know about the value and practices of this month and so they can judge Muslims poorly as a result.”


Rahman had once scheduled a job interview throughout Ramadan and was asked to have breakfast beforehand; because he rejected, the entire interview was canceled as the other party was so offended. “Had the interviewer known what Ramadan entails, I doubt he would have been this angry. I can’t not fast,” he remembers.


The confusion isn’t exclusive to employers, either: Gulrana Syed, who lives in Palos Hills, Illinois, tells MTV News, “People at work need to learn that I am more tired than regular and can’t habitually hang out right after work to eat or chill by consuming food with them because I am fasting. A lot of Ramadan has to with abstinence.”


As a Muslim American woman, I’m often asked if it’s hard to fast, often by people who have never felt a need or aspire to do so. Like any regimen, it takes some time to adapt. Complicating matters is the fact that people simply aren’t as aware about Ramadan as they are for other holidays.


case in point, there really is so much more to the month than fast. The hope objective is to rise in spiritual ranks — abstaining from food and drink is just one piece of that. Add in abstaining from entirely human tendencies like backbiting, gossiping, lying, and arguing, and things become far more trying.


Recently, there has been a push by Muslim and non-Muslim people alike to show solidarity with the community and speak out against anti-Muslim sentiment. Nevertheless allyship also includes inspiring and making space for our traditions, also. Countries with Muslim majority residents reduce working hours while in Ramadan and set up the entire year in such a way that those observing feel much less pressure come this blessed time, yet change at all levels assists the. Party City right now carries Ramadan decorations, and more staff are calling on organizations to let for adaptable work schedules while in Ramadan. These gestures may seem simple, however they make an enormous difference for the Muslim population living in the United States.


“Ramadan is a time for Muslims to regroup, recharge, and recommit to God,” adds Hazel Gomez, a student who lives in Detroit, Michigan. “Be patient with us, [and] have our backs throughout this sacred time. True allyship means to deeply listen to those most affected and to recognize one’s own biases and prejudices.”


Amani Al-Khahtahbeh, the founder of Muslim Girl, agrees. “Understand that Muslims are not only fasting physically, however also spiritually, so they are working hard to avoid things like unnecessary conflict, or losing their temper or patience,” she tells MTV News. “So, really, just attempt to be nice! Take in the vibes and permit Ramadan to bring out the ideal in you, too.”


While Ramadan can feel like bootcamp, it is also a time any time Whenever I can give attention to resetting myself and take stock about how I can better myself, the world, and the lives of these around me. Most of all, Ramadan teaches me lessons of resilience. I could be exhausted, starving, and parched. I could wish to mention something snide, or gossip, or lose my anger any time someone tests my patience. In the processes of embracing the flaws that make me human, I make a conscious choice to not give in. Ultimately, I have the decision to be kind. To not do so could be a lost opportunity.


In the process, I am able to resemble more deeply. Appreciate more frequently. Cherish the blessings, both small and big, more significantly. Empathize genuinely. This Ramadan, I’d like us to treat each other more humanely, whether or not you are fasting or recommitting to anything. Ramadan is for us; allyship can be for everyone.