Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims worldwide, is set to begin on March 2, heralding a time of fasting, reflection, and community gatherings. This period is marked by daily fasting from dawn to sunset, which commemorates the first revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is not only about refraining from food and drink but also about deepening one's spirituality and connecting with the broader community.
Preparations for Ramadan are well underway across different regions, including Dhaka, Bangladesh, where Hotel Sarina Dhaka is set to welcome guests with exclusive Iftar items. According to the hotel's press release, the signature restaurant, Summerfields, will provide nourishing Iftar meals, followed by dinner buffets from Maghrib until 10:30 p.m. The special Iftar offers include pricing options for those using selected bank cards—Tk 6999 net for two and Tk 9999 net for five people. Alongside the Iftar buffet, traditional items will also be available at the Street Café, where visitors can enjoy both dine-in and takeaway options.
Meanwhile, preparations are also taking place in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where local authorities are gearing up for the Ramadan observance. A moon sighting event is scheduled for February 28, led by Bangsamoro Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf A. Guialani, to officially declare the start of Ramadan. Traditionally, Muslims eagerly await this announcement, which signifies the beginning of fasting and prayer. A report from Agence France-Presse notes, "According to the lunar calendar, the exact start dates can vary depending on visibility, making the sighting event all the more significant for the community."">
Utah is also preparing for Ramadan, with communities reflecting the significance of the month to over two billion Muslims globally. Imam Shuaib Din from the Utah Islamic Center noted, "You can expect almost every Muslim to be fasting," outlining the rigorous daily schedule of prayers and communal meals. The community spirit is palpable, as families often gather after sunset to break their fast, creating bonds over shared meals.
For many who observe Ramadan, it is also about reaching out and helping others. Organizations such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations are supporting observance by providing toolkits for schools and businesses to understand Muslim practices and to create inclusive environments. Suggestions include offering flexible scheduling around exam times and allowing breaks for prayers during the school day. Providing spaces for fasting employees to rest or pray during work hours is also encouraged, ensuring they feel supported by their workplaces. "It's all about being considerate and aware of the needs of those fasting," said Ali-Abbas Sial, who also mentioned the importance of acts of kindness during this period.
Ramadan is often viewed as the epitome of community spirit—extending beyond shared meals to include acts of charity and service to others. Connecting with one’s faith is fundamental during this season, where many aim to commit to daily actions like reading the Quran, volunteering, or donating. Sial emphasized, "The point is to be consistent with the action throughout the month and possibly continue throughout the year," highlighting the transformative potential of Ramadan.
The importance of community support extends to non-Muslims, who play a pivotal role during this sacred month. Non-Muslims are encouraged to engage positively by acknowledging Ramadan and expressing genuine interest. Satin Tashnizi, co-founder of the Emerald Project, encouraged people to reach out with simple gestures of support, such as wishing observers well: "Use the phrase ‘Ramadan kareem’ for respectful greetings. Even small gestures create significant impacts.” She stressed the rising need for empathy, especially as the political climate may influence perceptions of Muslims. Every small act of consideration can help forge connections during the holy month.
Overall, Ramadan stands as more than just a month of fasting. It is about the collective experience of spirituality, community, and compassion. While believers observe their fasts, the collective efforts of individuals, families, and organizations unite to create inclusive spaces reinforcing the tenets of Islam. From hotel special offers and local community gatherings to worldwide observance efforts, Ramadan's spirit truly shines as it approaches, setting the stage for reflection, kindness, and shared experiences.
Invitations extend to all members of the community to partake in the sacred observance, with events like fast-breaking meals at local Islamic centers being prominent throughout the month. For example, the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake is hosting a fast-breaking meal on March 13, open to everyone. These gatherings facilitate easy entry to understand and participate in the observance, fostering greater community ties.