Celebrating Ramadan in Columbus, Ohio
Every year, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, known as Ramadan. This year, Ramadan will last from the evening of Friday, February 28, to the evening of Saturday, March 29. Muslims mark the end of Ramadan with a day of celebration called Eid al-Fitr.
Each day after sunset, Muslims break their fast, which can last up to 16 hours in the height of summer here in Ohio. They often begin with dates, the food the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is thought to have eaten to break his fast.
For many Muslims, Ramadan is a time of spiritual discipline, self-restraint, and mindfulness, refocusing their attention on God. During this month, Muslims not only refrain from food and drink but also strive to avoid negative thoughts, actions, and words.
Certain individuals are exempt from fasting, including the elderly, the sick, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating. Those who are unable to fast may make up the lost days later when they are able.
Conversations with CRIS Staff About Ramadan
Sarah Taylor, former communications intern for CRIS, sat down with two of CRIS’s Muslim staff members to ask them about their experiences with Ramadan.
Mohamed: A 20-year-old Somali born in Toronto, Canada
Why do you fast for Ramadan?
“It’s part of the Five Pillars of Islam. To be a practicing Muslim, you need to observe all five pillars, and one of them is fasting during Ramadan.”
What is the purpose of Ramadan?
“Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. It is a cleansing month, allowing us to repent for sins from the past year and start fresh. After this month, you should be a better person, closer to God.
Fasting also makes me more appreciative of the blessings I have. When I’m fasting, I realize these blessings in a new and different way.”
What is the hardest thing about Ramadan?
“The hardest thing is different for each person. For me, it’s the lack of energy.
Self-control is also a challenge. If someone makes you mad, you cannot respond with anger. That can be tough, especially when someone is pushing your buttons. You learn a lot about yourself during Ramadan.”
How is Ramadan different in the U.S. compared to a majority-Muslim country?
“It’s totally different. Here in the U.S., you work, come home, feel tired, and eat. Fasting takes on a bigger role. But in Muslim-majority countries, life slows down at night, and people sleep later into the day. Because the day starts later, you don’t feel the fast as much, but you still have to control your emotions.
Fasting overseas is also more family-driven. You break your fast with your entire family. It’s a nice feeling, sitting together and reminiscing. One year, we missed prayer because we were caught up laughing about old stories,” he recalls with a laugh and a shake of his head.
Fardows: A mother of three from Somalia who has lived in the U.S. for 17 years
What is the hardest thing about Ramadan for you?
“The first five days are the hardest—cutting off caffeine and adjusting to the lack of food and water. Sometimes you forget you’re fasting and take a sip of water. If you genuinely forget, the fast still counts. But if you remember while drinking, you can’t swallow that mouthful.”
How is Ramadan different in the U.S. compared to a majority-Muslim country?
“In Muslim countries, everyone is fasting, so it’s wonderful. We pray more and perform longer prayers called taraweeh. When your neighbors are fasting, you go to the mosque together.” She smiles as she reminisces.
“You can hear the call to prayer in the morning, which wakes you up. In the U.S., we don’t have that. Ramadan isn’t as exciting here. Plus, we have to work the whole month instead of being able to focus entirely on prayer and fasting.”