Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims worldwide, has begun, bringing with it greetings and well-wishes from leaders around the globe. This year, the messages center on themes of peace, healing, and generosity—hallmarks of Ramadan.
President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan extended heartfelt greetings to his nation, expressing hope for health, piety, and plenty as they enter this sacred period. “I sincerely congratulate you and wish each of you and all families strong health, piety, and abundance,” he stated, underscoring the role of religious and moral values during the nation’s growth and development. Rahmon emphasized the importance of kindness, urging citizens to lend support to one another throughout the month.
Meanwhile, Sergey Melikov, the head of Dagestan, conveyed similar sentiments, saying, “Ramadan reminds us of eternal values, calling for purity of soul, unity, care for loved ones, and compassion for the needy.” He wished for strength and patience during fasting, hoping the prayers of the people would find favor with the Almighty.
The Russian MMA Union also joined the chorus of greetings, celebrating the commencement of Ramadan by acknowledging the foundational qualities of self-discipline and resilience inherent to fighters. Their message reflected, “Ramadan is a time of purification, mercy, and unity,” encouraging athletes and fans alike to embrace the spirit of the month for personal and collective growth.
Shavkat Mirziyoev, the President of Uzbekistan, shared his thoughts on the significance of Ramadan, describing it as “a month of goodness, generosity, and compassion.” He noted how this holy month is intertwined with humanitarian ideals, stating, “Today, we can see through many examples how our reforms are based on the noble idea of ‘in the name of honor and dignity, for the happiness of man.’” Mirziyoev called for continued efforts to improve social protections and support for vulnerable citizens and emphasized the importance of peace and respect around the world.
These leaders’ statements reflect the collective hope ingrained within Muslim communities during Ramadan: aspirations for forgiveness, personal growth, and greater connections between individuals. They highlight the role of faith not just as personal solace, but as fundamental to societal harmony.
Throughout Ramadan, traditions vary among different cultures, but one consistent thread is the sharing of blessings with those who are less fortunate. Tadjik President Rahmon urged citizens to extend hands of compassion to those needing assistance and to strengthen their bonds with neighbors and friends during this month of reflection and fasting.
One of the fundamental practices of Ramadan involves fasting from dawn until dusk, where Muslims abstain from food and drink, focusing instead on prayer and community. The fast is traditionally broken with meals called Iftar, often shared among family and friends, fostering community spirit. The morning meal, Suhoor, is another significant aspect of the daily routine during Ramadan—typically enjoyed before daybreak to prepare individuals for the day’s fast.
Collectively, these greetings form not only well-wishes but also calls to action for fostering compassion, resilience, and commitment to community welfare. They remind us of the core values celebrated during Ramadan—generosity, support, and self-reflection.
This year, as conflicts continue and communities face various challenges, the leaders’ calls for peace resonate strongly. They encourage everyone to pray for the cessation of wars and strife, urging followers to cultivate goodwill among all people, irrespective of their differences.
Muslims around the world embrace this month with sincerity and commitment, responding to the call for charity and good deeds. These leaders’ messages serve as significant new clarion calls, reminding individuals of the importance of unity and support for fellow citizens and the broader global community.
The essence of Ramadan embodies not merely personal sacrifice but collective responsibility, echoing each leader's hope for renewal and renewal of bonds among the community and worldwide. May this Ramadan bring blessings not just within families but among communities striving toward peace and mutual respect.
Ramadan Mubarak to all!