As Ramadan draws to a close, Islamic Relief staff share what the holy month means to them.
Safiul Azam – Advocacy and communications coordinator, Bangladesh
“Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic year, when all Muslims dedicate themselves to work on spirituality. I believe this is the month when we get closer to Allah and it is the month of self-purification.
“After 30 days of fasting, Eid is the first day of the month of Shawaal after the sighting of the new moon. The month-long fasting comes to an end with festivity and enthusiasm.
“Many of us who work in towns go back to our villages to celebrate Eid with family. Sometimes there is a long traffic jam on the highways. Once people reach their village they start celebrating the joy of Eid al-Fitr.
“There is an exchange of presents and the young are eager to get their Eid (a small amount of money as a gesture). Families and friends gather together to share special meals and present gifts to their children. Eid is celebrated with a lot of excitement. We wake up early, wear new clothes and I go with my son to perform Eid prayers.
“After the prayers, we all hug each other and wish each other happiness and prosperity. When we get home, all the family members eat together, as my spouse has cooked different delicious foods.”
Rezarta Krasniqi – Local fundraising officer, Kosova
“Ramadan is a month that stirs my soul with a sense of deep spirituality and devotion. It is a time of self-discipline, where I am reminded of the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon me.
“The act of fasting during Ramadan is a powerful reminder of my dependence on Allah, and it inspires me to be more grateful and mindful of my actions.
“This verse from the Qur’an: ‘O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous,’ resonates deeply within me during this blessed month.
“It reminds me that through my efforts to fast, I am working towards becoming a better, more righteous person, and ultimately drawing closer to Allah.
“Ramadan fills my heart with a profound sense of peace, purpose, and a renewed connection to my faith. It is a time when I feel truly alive, and I am grateful for the opportunity to deepen my relationship with Allah and serve my community.”
Moussa Goita – Communication officer, Mali
“Ramadan is a blessed month. A time of the year when I reflect on my spirituality and strive to get closer to Allah SWT. This year I will try to improve my understanding and memorise even more from the holy Qur’an and memorise.
“When not going to work, I usually start the day with a lot of dhikr (a form of Islamic meditation in which phrases or prayers are repeatedly chanted) and try to do as much work around the house early on before it gets hot as Ramadan coincides with the hot season in Mali.
“At noon, I rest under the shed and talk with my mother, wife and children. In the evening, after Asr prayer, I take a bath and take seat under the shed while my wife cooks iftar. We switch on the radio and listen to preaching before the time for iftar.
“During the holy month, there is a lot of preaching happening throughout the day and in all neighbourhoods. It is a time of remembrance of Allah SWT when people want to refrain from sins and fortify their minds with good deeds and a lot of prayer.
“My favourite part of Ramadan is when the whole family gathers together. We enjoy meals together, discuss, laugh and entertain each other before the time for prayer.
“When it gets hot in the afternoon fasting can get challenging. Luckily, we encourage each other in the family and the rewards we get for fasting keep us going.
“During Ramadan, it is with great satisfaction that I cover the food distributions within the communities. The generosity of the donors giving and the smile on the face of right-holders receiving is an experience that never gets old.
“As an aid worker, I feel privileged to help relieve the needy, vulnerable and underprivileged. I am especially proud to be an employee of Islamic Relief which is relentlessly carry out its mission.”
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