Spain's rich Islamic heritage is set to take center stage as Ramadan 2025 approaches, commencing on Saturday, March 1. This holy month carries immense significance for the country's thriving Muslim population, which numbers over 2.5 million, constituting about 5.32% of Spain’s total population of 47 million, according to the Spanish Islamic Commission.
The deep roots of Islam in Spain trace back to 711 CE, when the Amazigh Muslim General Tarik ibn-Ziyad landed at Gibraltar, marking the start of the Umayyad conquest of Hispania. This monumental event not only laid the foundation for nearly eight centuries of Islamic dominance on the Iberian Peninsula but also established the cultural and historical intertwining of Muslim and Spanish identities.
The segment of Spain known as Al-Andalus flourished under Islamic rule, becoming known for its wealth, knowledge, and cultural practices. Today, as the month of Ramadan approaches, Spanish Muslims prepare to observe this significant period marked by fasting and reflection. During Ramadan, followers wake up for suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), abstain from food and drink during daylight hours, and gather for iftar (the meal to break the fast) at sunset.
Across Spain, mosques and Islamic centers serve as community hubs where Muslims gather for prayers, learning, and fellowship. The month is also enriched by various cultural events, including the “Ramadan Nights” initiative aimed at fostering community spirit and sharing Islamic customs. "During Ramadan, Muslims in Spain gather in mosques and Islamic centers to pray, learn, and break their fast together," commented representatives from the Spanish Islamic Commission.
Significant cities such as Córdoba, Madrid, Valencia, and Granada are home to major mosques, with the Grand Mosque of Granada, which opened its doors after nearly five centuries without one, symbolizing the revival of Islamic heritage. The mosque welcomes approximately 350 attendees for its Friday prayers and provides various community activities, from Quran classes to library access.
The Moroccan community is particularly prominent among Spain's Muslims, with around 1.1 million Moroccans residing there. A surge in conversions to Islam has been noted, increasing tenfold compared to three decades ago. This demographic transformation is leading to changes across the social fabric of the country, as more employers adapt by granting time off for Friday prayers and adjusting work hours to accommodate fasting Muslims.
With its long-standing Islamic heritage, Spain serves as both a historical reference point and contemporary backdrop for Ramadan practices. The importance of Ramadan extends beyond personal observances; it is now increasingly visible within Spanish cultural life. Special events and lectures often highlight Islamic art and traditions, engaging both the Muslim and non-Muslim populations alike.
This Ramadan, Spain will continue its tradition of welcoming religious leaders and scholars from Morocco, with 38 dispatched to lead activities and offer guidance. Their presence plays an integral role, facilitating not just religious observance but also cultural and educational exchanges throughout the holy month.
Muslims across Spain ensures Ramadan remains not only spiritually enriching but culturally vibrant, balancing between traditional Islamic values and modern Spanish life. The melding of these two worlds becomes most evident during this month, reflecting how entrenched Islamic culture is within the broader narrative of Spanish history.
Historic locales like Córdoba embody this synthesis beautifully. Known for being the birthplace of organized Ramadan observance in Europe, the city showcases its historical significance through its architecture and communal practices, making it the perfect location to reflect on the enduring legacy of Islam.
Córdoba's famous Mezquita, or mosque-cathedral, stands as a powerful symbol of this synergy—its foundation laid hundreds of years ago during the height of Islamic influence. Today, it attracts visitors, scholars, and worshippers alike, serving as both a monument of past glory and a contemporary venue for interfaith dialogue, embodying the history and complexity of Islamic presence within Spain.
Overall, as Muslims observe Ramadan this year, their arrangement of work and community life highlights the seamless integration of faith and daily existence, demonstrating how deeply rooted their identities are within Spanish society. Ramadan is not just a time for fasting; it is also for resilience, tradition, and the celebration of shared heritage—all reflected uniquely within the Spanish cultural mosaic.