Ramadan is the most auspicious month on the Islamic calendar and Muslims around the world celebrate it with great zeal and enthusiasm. The holy month of Ramadan is a time for introspection, self-control, and spiritual transformation. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. But it is not just about fasting. Ramadan is also a month of community, where Muslims come together to strengthen their faith and bond over shared values. In this article, we take a visual journey through the Muslim world to see how people from different countries and cultures celebrate this holy month.
Muslims around the world started the observance of Ramadan on Thursday with a month-long fast from dawn to dusk. Ramadan is considered the holiest month for Muslims, and it is believed that the words of God in the Quran were revealed in this month in the year 610. During this month, almost 2 billion Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, gossip, and sexual relations during daylight hours. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating women, sick, elderly or those traveling are exempt from fasting, and children are also not expected to fast. Fasting day could stretch as long as 17 hours for Muslims in cities such as Glasgow and Stockholm while Muslims in the Southern Hemisphere will have an easier fast, lasting only 13 hours in places like Nairobi, Singapore, and Brazil.
Ramadan is a time when Muslims try to expend more effort on religious pursuits, taking part in lengthy congregational night prayers in bustling mosques, completing the Quran, giving more to charity, spending time disconnecting in self-reflection and enjoying “break-fast” meals with family and friends. The month is also observed as a time of peace, forgiveness, and charity towards others. Muslims typically break their fast with a date and a glass of water or milk, followed by a larger meal known as “iftar.”
World leaders, including President Biden, have wished Muslims a happy Ramadan or “Ramadan Kareem.” Biden extended his best wishes to Muslims across the country and around the world, stating that Muslim Americans continue to strengthen the nation generation after generation. He also referenced the devastating earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people across Syria and Turkey in February, the extreme floods that hit Pakistan last year, leaving thousands homeless, and Muslims facing “oppression” including Uyghurs in the People’s Republic of China, Rohingya in Burma.
Cities across the world mark the month in a variety of ways. In London, for the first time, the capital’s busy Piccadilly Circus shopping district will be lit up with “Ramadan lights” switched on by Mayor Sadiq Khan this week. In Dubai, fireworks will be set off each weekend, and shopping malls will offer goods at heavy discounts. In the United States, more mainstream retailers are selling Ramadan children’s books, foods, and merchandise. While in other Muslim nations, such as Sudan and Yemen, the rising cost of food and other necessities may mean that more families struggle during Ramadan this year, with greater need for food parcels and charity aid.
Ramadan culminates with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, when Muslims dress up, adorn their hands with henna, decorate their houses, and celebrate with communal prayers. This year, following the lunar calendar, Eid is expected to fall on either April 20 or 21.
