Across the globe, Ramadan is celebrated with communal meals, traditions, and unique initiatives that bring people together in a spirit of connection and reflection. This year, as Ramadan unfolds from February 28 to March 29, communities are finding diverse ways to observe the holy month, with events designed to foster relationships among different cultural groups.
At Aston Villa's football stadium, around 400 people joined together on March 21 for a community Iftar meal organized by the Ramadan Tent Project. Sam Ghataora, the EDI lead at Aston Villa, stated, "Celebrating the spirit of Ramadan through shared meals" is important for the club, which aims to create an inclusive environment for people of all faiths. This Open Iftar event is part of a larger initiative celebrating Ramadan for the 12th consecutive year, with similar gatherings happening at various venues throughout the UK.
Omar Salha, the founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project, emphasized the event's theme of connection. "Ramadan holds profound significance for millions observing across the UK and many more across the globe," Salha said. "It is a time of deep introspection, reflection, and self-discipline. It is also a time to connect with family, friends, and the wider community through acts of service and charity." This year's festival aims to strengthen the bonds between participants, further enhancing the cultural experience of Ramadan.
Meanwhile, in the serene landscapes of Kashmir, the Saharkhwan tradition continues to play a critical role in the observance of Ramadan. Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, a local drummer, has been waking people for the Sehri meal in Lolab Valley for six years. He reflects on the significance of his role, attributing it to his family's legacy, saying, "This is my legacy. Yeh hamare baap ki virasat hai, woh bhi yahi aata tha aur hum bhi aate hain" (This is my father’s legacy. He did the same, and so do I). Sheikh's morning calls, traditionally resonating through the valley, evoke a strong sense of community as he walks the streets, honorably keeping this centuries-old tradition alive.
However, this practice faces challenges from modern technologies. With alarm clocks and mobile phones now commonplace, the nostalgic atmosphere of the Saharkhwan's call is fading in some areas. Imam Islam Hassan of the Islamic Center of Cleveland pointed out, "The month of Ramadan is the month when the Quran was revealed to the prophet peace be upon him and so we were ordered to fast". He elaborated on how community gatherings during Ramadan are akin to having multiple Thanksgiving dinners throughout the month.
In Pakistan, the exact timings for Sehri and Iftar vary by city, making community awareness essential for observance. As of March 23, cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi provide specific Sehri and Iftar timings to ensure everyone can break their fast together. This emphasizes the importance of community engagement during Ramadan across different cultural contexts.
Additionally, the Muslim Hands Mirpur’s Open Kitchen initiative supports around 350 guests daily with hot, nutritious meals during Ramadan. The project aims to serve and respect those in need, including laborers and students. Raja Qamar Atta, the media manager, stressed that the kitchen's services create a warm community atmosphere. "Through this generous act of service, Muslim Hands is fully engaged in helping to create a Ramadan experience where everyone is nourished physically and spiritually," he noted.
In the United States, particularly in Easton, Pennsylvania, local businesses are actively catering to the needs of the Muslim community. Halal Food Express offers discounted meals before Iftar every night during Ramadan, and Aman’s Artisan Indian Cuisine warmly invites the community to dine for Iftar. Restaurant owner Haaz Ilyas stated, "Just trying to give an option to everybody that wants to come in and eat a nice breakfast at suhoor time" during Ramadan weekends—a gesture demonstrating the intertwining of culinary tradition and communal support.
Cleveland has also launched the Suhoor Festival, organized by the One Ummah Initiative, which features local vendors, cultural experiences, and late-night food sessions from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fatima Sajjad, an event organizer, mentioned, "It’s our biggest late-night food and shopping festival of the year," signifying the festival as a chance for people to gather, enjoy diverse meals, and strengthen community ties.
As Ramadan progresses, it highlights the enduring power of traditions in fostering community spirit. Whether it’s through shared meals, the rhythmic calling of Saharkhwans, or local restaurant initiatives, these practices remind us of the warmth and togetherness that Ramadan inspires across cultures. As Ghulam Nabi Sheikh says, "No alarm can replace this tradition; it has a different feel, a sign of happiness." With the drumbeats echoing through time, it showcases that as long as the faithful rise to the call, the legacy of Ramadan will continue to resonate through the values of community, connection, and reflection.
