What does Ramadan teach us?

By: Asma Shums
Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, and there are approximately 1.7 billion Muslims (followers of Islam). Ramadan, one of the most important seasons for Muslims, is an entire month devoted to reflection and self-control, along with many types of fasting, such as food, drink, and smoking. Twenty percent of the world’s population practices Islam, and there is a lot to learn about how Ramadan encourages self-reflection.
First, A Little History
Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year and begins with the new moon. For example, in 2019, Muslims often fast from sunrise to sunset during the entire month. The idea is to practice self-control and focus on self-improvement and good work. Each day of fasting ends with a feast, or iftar, celebrated with family and friends.  So there’s always a reward at the end of the day.
Lesson One: Patience and Humility
First, Ramadan teaches patience and humility. If you don’t eat or engage in other pleasures, you understand what it means to be poor and not have enough to eat. You also learn to be grateful for the food and blessings you have–and to patiently wait for your next meal. Even if you don’t practice Islam, there’s a lot to learn from fasting and delaying satisfaction. A fast can teach us to appreciate the things we have and have more compassion for people who don’t enjoy our comfortable
lifestyle.
Lesson Two: Forgiveness and Letting Go
All of us hold a grudge from time to time–and find it hard to forgive a friend, loved one or co-worker who has slighted us. During Ramadan, people take time to pray and practice self-reflection. It is also a time to seek forgiveness, apologize and settle arguments. Letting go of anger and resentment is a good practice that helps us move beyond petty differences and focus on the good in our relationships. And self-reflection is an important part of letting go of old issues. If you are struggling in a relationship, ask yourself if you have responsibility. Then, think about how you may have hurt the other person–and how that also hurt you.
Lesson Three: Mercy and Compassion
All religions teach mercy and ask us to be compassionate of others. But Ramadan teaches Muslims to think about how they can be more compassionate every day for an entire month. That’s a lot of self-reflection! Many people help others by giving money or food–or perhaps contributing their time to a cause that helps others. While we may not devote 30 days to thinking about how we can give back, we probably have a few hours every week to assist those who are less fortunate.
Ramadan is experienced differently by everyone. We all lead different lifestyles, live in different communities, and even fast at different hours around the world. Ramadan brings us all together through worship and fasting and allows us to reflect on shared experiences during this holy month. In this post, we reflect on the different lessons and experiences that shape Ramadan for us and characterize it as the enriching and beautiful experience it is.
One lesson Ramadan teaches us particularly well every year is, of course, patience. From fasting long hours to reading and understanding the whole Quran – especially if Arabic is not your first language. Everything we do in Ramadan is driven by patience and not in a short-term sense either. Patience that the hunger, thirst and long nights staying up in worship will be rewarded accordingly is what drives many of us during this month.
Another lesson that is most valuable is practicing self-discipline. To be able to overcome our desires for something far greater than ourselves and out of personal choice is the epitome of self-discipline and it’s beautifully displayed during Ramadan amongst millions of Muslims. This month allows us to practice this self-discipline beyond Ramadan too through the healthy habits we pick up.
For many of us and the lifestyles we lead, praying on time at work can prove to be increasingly difficult – especially when meetings are scheduled right around prayer times. This leads us to the final lesson we think Ramadan teaches us the most and that’s pride. Pride in the faith we practice, pride in yourself and in your body for being able to carry out long 18-hour fasts day in and day out during this month. Pride in letting others also know what Ramadan means to you and what fasting and prayer mean to you.
Those are just some of the skills we’ve learned during Ramadan – but there are many more! What are some of the lessons you’ve learned? Reflect and feel free to share with me at: asmashums@gmail.com