By Sabah Ahmed

May/Jun 25

Grade 11 high school student Laila Soliman, 16, stumbled upon a TikTok video of Ramadan Lights in London, England last year and was saddened by the absence of such an initiative in her hometown of Toronto, Canada. She thought the creation of something similar in her hometown would serve as a reflection of Toronto’s diversity. 

Soliman imagined a brightly lit “Ramadan Mubarak” sign installed in Toronto’s heart showcasing the city’s unique cultural tapestry. She knew if she could be successful in realizing her idea, it would be the first initiative of its kind in the city. One year later, on March 1, 2025, her vision came to fruition.

The installation, the first of its kind in Canada, serves as a symbol of inclusion and hope and reflects the power of youth-led efforts. It shows that the beauty of Toronto lies in its various ethnic and faith-based communities. 

“This installation is for everyone in this city,” she said. “For Muslims, it is meant to add comfort and warmth during Ramadan, reminding them of their unique identity. For non-Muslims, it is an effort to showcase the values of Ramadan and welcome them to learn more about Islam. We want to spread a message of unity and peace.”

Toronto is home to nearly 10% of Canada’s Muslims and is known for its inclusivity and multiculturalism. Yet despite a significant Muslim population, the city lacked such a visible representation of its Islamic community. 

“[Toronto] is a beautiful city,” said Soliman. “Out of all the cities in the world, Toronto is the perfect place to install such a sign.” 

Along with highlighting the city’s rich heritage, she wanted the sign to bring comfort and happiness to Torontonians during Ramadan. She knew it would be no easy task, but she was determined.

Soliman started by partnering with young Muslims from the Toronto Muslim Youth Council (TMYC) and high school students across the Greater Toronto Area. Soon, she had a dedicated group who played a key role in transforming the idea into reality. Together, they helped bring her idea to life. “This was a chance for youth to work together and create something positive for the entire community,” she said. “I knew that the team had the grit to achieve this goal despite several challenges.”

The second step was to work closely with Toronto city officials, many of whom wholeheartedly supported her vision. “The officials were very cooperative,” she shares. “We connected with the mayor’s team. They immediately saw the positive impact [this installation would bring] and were willing to turn my vision into reality,” she said.

While the city was supportive of the project, Soliman and her team had to overcome some bureaucratic hurdles like securing an insurance plan valued at $5 million. “It was one of the most complicated aspects of the process, and we were lucky to get it approved through a local company,” she said. Little by little, Soliman and her dedicated team were able to fulfill the initial requirements and raise an additional $27,000 through a crowdfunding campaign. 

“It was delightful to see support from all these different communities within Toronto,” she said. “People understood our vision. They knew this wasn’t just lighting up a sign for Muslims. It was about representation, about visibility, and about celebrating the values of Ramadan in a way that is inclusive and welcoming to all.” She credited all Torontonians, Muslim and non-Muslim, for their support in reaching the goal. 

Once the budget was secure, there were other logistical concerns to focus on such as the safety of the installation and a persistent problem with the light-up aspect of the sign. “We had planned for it to be illuminated, but due to some technical reasons, it did not happen this time,” Soliman said. “We are working on this, and are quite hopeful that next year the installation will be brightly lit.”

Beyond finances and logistics, there was another major challenge: ensuring that the initiative was received in the right way. “We wanted to make sure our message was clear. This was about unity and our community, not politics,” Soliman said. “We wanted everyone, Muslim or not, to see this as a positive contribution to our city, the most diverse in the world. We want all Torontonians to know that Ramadan is about tolerance and opening our hearts for others.”

Soliman said that the entire journey from initial idea to installation took about a year. “I started planning during Ramadan last year soon after I saw the TikTok,” she said, “and we’ve been working non-stop ever since. It has not been an easy journey, but seeing the sign up in downtown Toronto is very rewarding.”

While the sign makes Soliman and her team proud of their accomplishment, they know their job isn’t done yet. “We definitely want to light up the sign next year,” Soliman said with a smile. “We are also considering placing signs in other prominent locations [around Toronto], possibly around Yonge Street. We want to make this an annual tradition, something Torontonians would look forward to every year.”

Soliman hopes the project will serve as a reminder for young people that hard work leads to success. She believes it can motivate them to mobilize their communities for the greater good. “I want young people to know that their voices matter and that they have the ability to change narratives,” she said. “This project started as a simple idea, but through teamwork and determination, we made it happen. Imagine what else we can do if we continue working together.”

Sabah Ahmed is a journalist, producer, and writer specializing in global policies, social justice, and in-depth investigations with a focus on human rights and power dynamics.

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By Margaux Blanchard

Mar/Apr 25

During Ramadan, in classrooms across North America, Muslim students run on nothing but faith and willpower. No snacks, no water, just sabr (patience) and a countdown to maghrib (sunset prayer). While their classmates sip on iced lattes and munch on chips, these students quietly push through lectures, group projects, and pop quizzes while fasting from dawn to dusk. For Muslim students, Ramadan is about taqwa, consciousness of God, and maintaining spiritual focus while navigating the demands of academic life.

While fasting during Ramadan, students wake up at 4:30 a.m. for suhoor (pre-dawn meal), eat half asleep, and then head back to bed only to rise again two hours later for school. By noon, hunger isn’t the main battle; it’s the fatigue that settles in after only a few hours of sleep followed by many more spent concentrating in class. In gym, fasting students often find themselves caught in a dilemma between participating in physical activities with classmates or conserving their much needed energy. Some teachers are quick to offer alternatives – study halls or lighter exercises – while others still expect laps to be run regardless of an empty stomach. It’s a balancing act between honoring faith and meeting academic expectations, one that requires personal and institutional support.

Challenges and Successes for Muslim Students during Ramadan

But Ramadan at school isn’t just about saying “no” to food. It’s also about saying “yes” to faith while praying dhuhr (midday prayer) in a quiet corner or an empty classroom. It is about dodging curious glances, and fielding questions like, “Wait, not even water?” It’s about explaining the significance of fasting without turning every classroom discussion into a theology seminar. 

This consistent pattern of unique struggles Muslim students face during Ramadan hasn’t gone unnoticed. Schools are starting to catch on. Many schools now offer designated prayer spaces, flexible schedules, and cultural-awareness workshops for teachers. In Dearborn – home to the largest Arab American community – schools like Fordson High School send newsletters explaining Ramadan to parents and staff, ensuring that celebrations like Eid al-Fitr are recognized alongside Christmas and Hanukkah.

(https://www.espn.com/college-sports/highschool/news/story?id=5467167)

Despite this progress, some challenges remain. In smaller towns such as Lafayette, La., accommodations can feel more like exceptions than norms. Students often have to advocate for themselves by requesting spaces to pray or by asking for understanding when they simply can’t give 100%. Some face microaggressions like peers eating as conspicuously as possible or teachers questioning whether fasting affects their ability to perform in class. 

During times of discouragement, it is important to remember that Ramadan isn’t just about the challenges; it’s also about pride. Many Muslim students see the holy month as an opportunity to share their culture and religion with classmates. Some schools, like Al-Huda School in College Park, Md., turn the month of fasting into a teaching moment, incorporating lessons about Ramadan and Islam into the curriculum. These efforts go a long way toward demystifying the practices and countering stereotypes, but they also highlight a deeper issue – why does it take seeing Muslim students struggle during Ramadan for schools to notice Islam?

The answer, for many educators, lies in policy, or the lack of it. While some cities such as Chicago and Houston have introduced guidelines for religious accommodations, others are still navigating these waters without clear direction. Teachers, often left to make decisions without institutional support or advice, rely on their own understanding or misunderstanding of Ramadan, leading to inconsistent and sometimes problematic practices. For their part, the students themselves are often the ones having to repeatedly explain their practices to teachers and peers, turning their personal spiritual journey into a public discussion.

(https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/with-start-of-ramadan-muslim-students-in-lousiana-want-better-accommodations-in-schools)

Even in schools that make accommodations, there’s an underlying tension – how much flexibility is too much? At what point does inclusivity become favoritism? While most schools are moving toward inclusion, some are still grappling with the idea that accommodating religious practices doesn’t mean endorsing them.

For Muslim students, however, the need is clear. Ramadan isn’t just a month of fasting; it’s a deeply personal, spiritual journey that doesn’t pause for exams, essays, or gym class. As schools continue to diversify, the question isn’t whether they should adapt, but how quickly and how thoughtfully they can rise to meet the moment.

Policy Priorities in Diverse School Settings

In Toronto, where multiculturalism is sewn into the city’s fabric, some schools are at the forefront of accommodating Ramadan observances. Teacher Zara Malik at Valley Park Middle School in Toronto described how designated prayer rooms felt like sanctuaries during busy school days. “We pushed for it and now we have this space where we don’t feel like we’re interrupting anyone’s schedule just to practice our faith,” she said.

Teachers in these schools are proactive, allowing students to reschedule tests or assignments. But inclusivity isn’t always seamless. Toronto educator Diana Andrews, a history teacher at Lawrence Heights Public School, admitted that the learning curve is steep. “The first year, we weren’t prepared,” Andrews said. “We had students falling asleep in class and skipping gym without explanation. Now we know better. We give options for lighter activities in PE and plan tests with flexibility in mind.” 

In Dearborn, inclusivity is less about building awareness and more about refining practices. Schools in Dearborn have long embraced prayer rooms and adjusted schedules for Muslim students, but administrators are now experimenting with more structured approaches.

“We don’t just accommodate anymore,” said Principal Hadiya Al-Khatib of Crestwood Preparatory College in Toronto. “We integrate.” She pointed to events like Ramadan-themed assemblies and iftars hosted on campus as examples of efforts to create a sense of belonging. “The goal is to make students feel seen, not just tolerated,” she said.

In rural areas where Muslim populations are smaller and less visible, change is slower but no less significant. For example, in Montana, educators are learning to adapt in real time. Emily Rogers, principal of West High School in Billings, Mt., admitted she hadn’t heard of Ramadan until a student brought it up. “We’re playing catch-up,” she said, “but we’ve turned a storage closet into a prayer room, and our PE teacher now offers students the option to sit out certain activities. It’s baby steps, but we’re getting there.” 

For some students in schools with a smaller Muslim population, accommodations have been life changing. Amina Yusuf, a junior in a rural Kansas high school, shared how difficult her first Ramadan as a freshman at school had been. “There was nowhere to pray, and lunchtime was the worst,” she said. “I’d just sit in the library, alone.”

After her parents met with the administration, the school created a quiet room and encouraged teachers to let fasting students take breaks if needed. “It’s not perfect but I don’t feel invisible anymore,” Yusuf said.

Policy changes played a big role in this shift. Some districts issued formal guidelines, encouraging teachers to offer flexible deadlines and adjust schedules during Ramadan. In California, schools are providing cultural competency training for staff, ensuring teachers understand not just the basics of Ramadan but the deeper significance it holds for Muslim students. Educators are often the driving force behind these efforts.

Priya Patel, a math teacher at Stuyvesant High School in New York City, set up a Ramadan resource table in the staff room. “I printed out a cheat sheet explaining the basics – fasting, prayer, Eid – and it sparked conversations,” she said. “Teachers started asking questions instead of making assumptions.”

Policies and practices can only go so far without buy-in from students and parents. Several administrators stressed the importance of open communication, encouraging families to voice their needs without hesitation. (https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights/information-families-civil-rights-washington-schools/religion-schools) In one case, a parent in Fort Cavazos, Tex., worked with the PTA to host a Ramadan Awareness Night, which included a mock iftar for teachers and classmates. (https://www.army.mil/article/275278/iftar_provides_community_connection) These efforts underscore a broader cultural shift in schools from simply acknowledging religious diversity to actively creating environments where it can thrive.

Incremental Change Still Has an Impact

There is still a long way to go. Some students still struggle to explain their faith and traditions to their peers, and not every school has the resources to implement changes quickly. One theme emerged repeatedly: change often begins with a single conversation.

“It all started when a student asked if they could have a quiet space to pray,” Patel said. “That small question sparked bigger changes in how we approach accommodations for Ramadan. Sometimes, change begins with something as simple as asking.” Whether it’s a student asking for a prayer space, a teacher offering flexibility during exams, or a principal turning a supply closet into a quiet refuge, small steps are adding up to create more inclusive learning environments.

As schools continue to evolve, their responses to Ramadan may serve as a litmus test for their broader commitment to equity and inclusion. With each adjustment and accommodation, the message grows louder: faith and education don’t have to exist in separate worlds. They can – and should – thrive together.

Margaux Blanchard is a freelance journalist based in Canada.

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The post How Ramadan Is Reshaping Educational Inclusion In North America appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Hamza Mohammed

Mar/Apr 25

For many colleges and universities, Ramadan can be the busiest time of the year, attracting both Muslim and non-Muslim students alike. Many Muslim Student Associations (MSAs) hold special events and programs to help support Muslim students and faculty during Ramadan, as well as inform non-Muslim students and faculty about the importance that Ramadan holds for Muslims around the world. 

And the Muslim presence on college campuses throughout the United States is growing. One commentator, Amer Ahmed, noted, “On college campuses in the United States, Muslim Student Associations have more than doubled since 9/11, as now more than 400 local chapters exist.”

A 2019 Pew Research Center study revealed that 31% of Muslim Americans have a college degree, equating to roughly 1.25 million Muslims. And with so many Muslims seeking higher education opportunities, often far away from their homes, it can be difficult for Muslim students to find a sense of community, especially during important times during the Islamic year. Fortunately, many universities in the United States have established an MSA as part of the Muslim Student Association of the United States & Canada, established in 1963. 

Today, across the U.S., over 25% of universities have an MSA or a similar organization with this number growing annually. Many MSAs were created with the goal of working towards inclusion on campus by organizing weekly educational and community-building events for students to attend.

Below are examples of some North American MSAs and their Ramadan activities.

Rutgers University at New Brunswick (RU-NB) MSA

The Rutgers University Muslim Student Association (RU-MSA) serves one of the largest Muslim student organizations in the country. With roughly 6,000 Muslim students on a 44,000-student campus, Muslims account for almost 15% of RU-NB’s student body.

One of their founders is Imam Zaid Shakir (formerly Ricky Daryl Mitchell), who co-founded Zaytuna College, the first accredited Islamic undergraduate university in the U.S. When Shakir attended Rutgers University as a graduate student, he led a student movement encouraging people to divest from corporations that contributed to Apartheid in South Africa

“This protest, held at Brower Commons, remains an iconic chapter in Rutgers’ history,” said Zakariya Insanally, a RU-NB engineering sophomore, who serves as RU-MSA outreach coordinator. The MSA continues to host events at the same Brower Commons where Shakir led this protest movement.

RU-MSA, which has grown steadily since its founding over 40 years ago, has seven specialty teams, all dedicated to encouraging important Islamic values such as charity, professional growth, and tazkiyah (purification of oneself). The MSA hosts two to three events every week, each averaging 100-150 Muslim and non-Muslim attendees. 

During Ramadan 2024, RU-NB’s MSA partnered with several other organizations including the Muslim Public Relations Council, the Pakistani Student Association, and the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University to host iftars on the first three Thursdays of Ramadan, each serving over 400 students. 

For Ramadan 2025, the RU-NB MSA hopes to continue their current Ramadan programs and projects. “Our vision for Ramadan 2025 builds upon our past successes,” stated Insanally. MSA hopes to partner with more organizations to host larger iftars that will include pre-iftar events featuring local scholars and community leaders to enhance the Ramadan experience. They also plan to launch a new fundraising campaign to help ensure the sustainability of their events in the future. 

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville MSA

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville Muslim Students Association (UTK MSA), was founded in the early 1970s by the Muslim Community of Knoxville. Today, it has over 200 members. Events are hosted year-round and are open to all students that attend the school. Ramadan is their busiest time of the year. 

During the holy month, MSA hosts weekly halaqas (gatherings to study the Quran), daily Quran readings, sporting events, game nights, and lectures. Their most popular event during Ramadan is their annual fast-a-thon where non-Muslim students and faculty are invited to fast alongside Muslim students. At the end of the fast-a-thon day, UTK MSA hosts an iftar for all participants while also sharing some of the history behind the holy month and its attendant traditions.  

“We try to create a welcoming environment where people can meet Muslims and learn more about their religion,” said Ashraf Dkhiri, a junior accounting major and UTK MSA board member.

For Ramadan 2025, the UTK MSA hopes to focus more on Quranic readings and halaqas. They will also be hosting their 24th fast-a-thon and are expecting more participants in the event as the MSA continues to grow in size.

The Ohio State University MSA

Since its founding 30 years ago, the Ohio State University Muslim Student Association (OSU MSA) has seen a steady growth and has become a safe place for one of the nation’s largest Muslim student bodies. The OSU MSA hosts a variety of social events throughout the year including multiple jummah (Friday) prayers options to allow students to find a time that works within their schedule. Nearly 500 people attend jummah prayers weekly across campus.

Like many university MSAs across the country, Ramadan is one of the busiest times for the OSU MSA. They host an iftar every night from Monday to Thursday during the holy month that feeds 200 students as well as a taraweeh (night) prayer every evening. They also host halaqas between Maghrib and Isha prayers. “[Students] take the time out to chill and socialize with each other, building brotherhood and sisterhood,” said junior Daanish Khan who serves as the MSA outreach chair.

The OSU MSA also collaborates with the university to host an annual fast-a-thon where they invite non-Muslim students and faculty to fast along with the students. Like the UTK MSA, at the end of the fast-a-thon, the OSU MSA hosts an iftar for all of the participants. 

The OSU MSA hopes to collaborate with even more Muslim organizations across Columbus, Ohio for events during Ramadan 2025.

Texas A&M University MSA

The MSA at the Texas Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University In College Station works closely with their nearby local mosque. During Ramadan, the mosque partners with the students to host daily iftars for almost 300-400 people. Texas A&M students help to fundraise, cook, and clean up the iftars while other students lead Isha and taraweeh prayers there during the holy month. During Ramadan, MSA serves suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, every Friday.

“Our Ramadans are often the most active time for our MSA. It’s when we have the highest turnout and the most brotherhood/sisterhood throughout the school year,” said Hadi Tameez, a junior, and the men’s section social officer for the MSA.

The MSA also hosts an annual lock-in (Qiyam ul-Layl), where students spend the night praying, supplicating, and reading the Quran at the masjid. Besides religious activities, the participants take part in sports and video games as well. In addition, during Ramadan, halal dining halls at the A&M adjust their schedules to open earlier so that students fasting on campus can have access to meals for suhoor. The MSA also works with the local mosque to assist in hosting Eid Prayer and Festival. MSA members often serve on the planning committee to coordinate the event, and make up the largest group of volunteers for Eid as well.                                                                                                                                     

For Ramadan 2025, the Texas A&M MSA hopes to be able to offer iftar every night for all students and locals in the area. They are also looking to expand their suhoor program, as well as the halal food options on campus. With a rapidly growing Muslim community surrounding the campus, A&M’s MSA is also looking to host larger Eid, prayer, and social events with more options for students and residents to enjoy.

Creating A Community                         

Each MSA chapter celebrates Ramadan on campus in a unique way. Whether through events like fast-a-thons, or hosting iftar and suhoor for students, college MSAs across the country work tirelessly every year to make sure that Muslim students never feel alone during Ramadan.

Hamza Mohammed attends Farragut High School in Tennessee. He is an avid reader and enjoys writing in his free time.

The post College MSAs Hold Space for Community During Ramadan appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Sheima Salam Sumer

Mar/Apr 25

Douglas Johnson came to Islam after his experience teaching in Palestine. Imam Suhaib Webb, Amaal Melissa Toney, and Sha’Qira Holemon couldn’t believe in the Catholic doctrine of the Trinity in which God is both one unified being, and three distinct beings. Nicole Hawkins met a Bangladeshi friend who changed her perspective. 

According to the Huffington Post, an estimated 20,000 Americans convert to Islam every year, as of 2011. That’s 20,000 Americans every year who are learning to pray, learning to read the Quran, and fasting during Ramadan. Each convert – some prefer to use the term ‘revert’ –  has their own unique story and faces their own unique challenges. Ramadan especially can be a bittersweet time as they experience the bliss of the holy month while dealing with struggles inherent to navigating their new religion and its associated traditions. 

Islamic Horizons spoke with Muslim American converts to learn more about their experiences.

Positive Interactions with Muslims Inspire Some to Convert 

Many converts come to Islam because of Muslims they meet. Douglas Johnson from Ottawa, Ill., was attracted by the good manners of the Muslims he met in Palestine. While working as a teacher there, he was impressed by the students and people’s maturity and goodness. “I felt very welcome. I was attributing it to Islam, which was right,” he said.

Nicole Hawkins from Baltimore, Md., had an online Bangladeshi friend who was Muslim. She became curious about his beliefs and so she bought a copy of the translation of the Quran. What she read made sense to her. The stories of the Prophets moved her. The biggest factor in her conversion was Islam’s teaching that life is a test. Growing up, Nicole, who lost her mother to suicide, always wondered why life was so difficult. She found the answer in Islam. “It’s because Allah puts trials and tests in our way to bring us closer to Him,” she said.

Kareem Muhammad Ali* from Traverse City, Mich., was attracted to the sincerity he saw in Muslims. As a child, he observed hypocrisy in the church. As a result, he left organized religion until he met Muslims in Michigan and learned about Islam. Like Nicole, the people and the Quran inspired him. He especially liked that the Quran is still in its original language. He began exploring mosques and meeting imams. “It was crazy clear that this felt right,” he said. “There was an absence of hypocrisy; there was one clear path. It felt like returning to a place that I could be proud of and give me some forward direction.”

Muslim Converts Resonate with the Islamic Concept of God and Prayer

Many Christians convert to Islam because of Islam’s clear concept of God. The renowned Imam Suhaib Webb from Oklahoma City, Ok., told the Deen Show he converted to Islam because the Catholic concept of the Trinity didn’t make sense to him “I just wasn’t able to digest that God could be three or one of three,” he said.

Similarly, Amaal Melissa Toney from Manhattan, N.Y. could not understand how Jesus prayed to God when he was also God. Sha’Qira Holemon from Richmond, Va., felt that the Trinity and God having a son didn’t make sense. Douglas resonated with the fact that Islam viewed Jesus as a prophet, rather than as God or the son of God.

Luke Hodel* from Mechanicsville, Va., was attracted to Islam by the five daily prayers. He was raised as “a Christmas and Easter Catholic” who went to mass only on holidays. “I liked the idea of remembrance  every day,” he said.

Finding Community and Navigating Challenges During Ramadan

Many find solace in the sense of community during Ramadan. Amaal reminisced about her Ramadan in different locales. She loves how Muslims come together to give out dates, water, and to share iftar meals. “I’ve seen it in Egypt. I’ve seen it in Georgia. I’ve seen it in South Carolina, New Jersey, and New York,” she said. “You’re gonna get that same experience no matter where you are – that sense of community, love, and giving.”

Like Amaal, Kareem experienced Ramadan in many places. Wherever he went, he always found a mosque that welcomed him. He shared that he’s always able to find a good mosque and the vibe is always “welcome my brother, let’s do this thing together.” During his first street-wide iftar in Egypt, he felt cared for. “It was incredible. I was welcomed. I didn’t need anything,” he said. 

Douglas experienced his first Ramadan in Palestine before he became Muslim. His colleague invited him to a community iftar. When he entered the cafeteria, he didn’t know what to expect. He sat in rows with Muslims who had been fasting all day. Despite not being Muslim, he felt welcomed. There was no sense of distinction between him and the Muslims. It didn’t feel strange that he was participating in a Muslim ceremony; it felt natural. “Being treated like a Muslim before I was Muslim was really special to me,” he said. 

For Kareem, suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) is one of his favorite parts of Ramadan. He enjoys waking up early and eating with people he loves. “We say al-Ḥamdu lillāh for this blessing,” he said. “We prepare for the fast and get into that rhythm. Then, when fajr happens, it’s game on.”

Kyle Bayer from Delray Beach, Fla., whose wife inspired him to convert, said he enjoys bonding and connecting at iftar dinners. “I could speak to others freely about my experience fasting and they did the same with me,” he said.

Converts Face Unique Challenges Especially During Ramadan

As strong as the sense of community is during Ramadan, new converts to the religion still deal with certain struggles. Imam Suhaib Webb recalled that he felt “terrified” during his first Ramadan. He actually hadn’t known much about fasting when he converted at the age of 20. He felt he wasn’t just converting to a new religion, but to a new community. He describes all the Muslim cultures he encountered as a “religious Times Square.” On top of that, he was constantly bombarded with questions about how and why he converted which made him uncomfortable. 

He found consolation in the hadith that Ramadan is a month of patience. He kept going to the mosque, praying tarawih (night prayers), and reading the translation of the meaning of the Quran in English, which really helped. “Alhamdulillah, man that helped me,” he said. “That first Ramadan ended up being a great blessing for me.” 

The act of fasting alone can be difficult for some  converts, especially those who are participating in Ramadan for the first time. “I struggle with it,” Douglas said. “[But] the more Muslims I have around me fasting, the easier and better it is.”

Others simply adjust. For Amaal, fasting has been easy overall, but was challenging in the past because of her anemia which she is now able to manage. Kyle fasted for the first time last Ramadan and enjoyed it. “I can’t wait to fast this upcoming Ramadan,” he said.

Sha’Qira, however, finds Ramadan to be bittersweet. Due to her medical condition, she can’t fast. She expressed that she often feels disconnected from Ramadan. To cope, she reads more Quran, listens to nasheed (Islamic songs), and prays more. She tries to go to the mosque to meet  Muslims but is often thwarted by her social anxiety. “I’m afraid of people, so it’s hard,” she said.

Fasting isn’t the only aspect of Ramadan that can be hard. 

Nicole shared that while she loves fasting because it increases her God-consciousness, Ramadan can be very lonely. Many don’t have the privilege of practicing with their families the way native-born Muslims do. She wishes more Muslims would invite converts to their homes for iftar, and that mosques had more fun activities during the month.

Finding Deeper Meaning in Ramadan

Even before Kareem officially became Muslim, he would fast in solidarity and respect with his Muslim friends. He learned about the value of fasting, being pure, and the spirit behind the practice. He learned that fasting is not just a group activity, it’s also a “solo adventure.” 

He enjoys the solo aspect of Ramadan. “Doing the iftar together is awesome,” he said. “But then I like to find my center, when it’s just me and Allah.” 

Last year, Kareem read through the Quran a few times. He says there’s always something new to catch. He listens to the Quran in Arabic as he reads it in English, following the words with his hand. To improve this practice, Kareem  is currently studying Arabic and sees a mentor regularly.

Like most Muslims, converts see Ramadan as a month to get closer to God, to purify, and to grow. “Ramadan is a month of self-reflection and a chance to become closer to Allah,” said Luke. 

For Sha’qira, Ramadan means devotion, sacrifice, and being thankful for one’s blessings. 

Amaal is especially fascinated with the Night of Power. “It’s a time when you can ask Allah and seek Laylatul Qadr [the Night of Power],” she said. “There are so many benefits in reaching it because of how many of your sins can be removed. It’s like you’re cleansing yourself.”

For Kyle, Ramadan is about commitment, mental endurance, and introspection. Fasting made him feel more grateful. “Ramadan is a special place in time that allows you to embark on self-introspection,” he shared. “It offers the questions [like] ‘Are you truly being the best version of yourself? Can you still make positive changes in your life?’”

Imam Suhaib Webb describes Ramadan as “a great opportunity to make up for mistakes made in the past and to create a new capacity to continue to grow for the future.” 

*Some names have been changed for privacy.

Sheima Salam Sumer is the author of How to be a Happy Muslim Insha’Allah (2014) and The Basic Values of Islam (2021). She is also a tutor and life coach.

The post Eight Muslim Americans Converts Share Their Ramadan Experiences appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By the ISNA Green Initiative Team

Mar/Apr 25

In its “Global Plastics Outlook,” The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimated that around 380 million tons of plastic waste is produced annually worldwide and 43 million tons of plastic come from consumer products that mostly end up in landfills. As such, plastic is an integral part of human life, but plastic waste is among the worst forms of pollution to the environment, human health, and/or to other animal species. No doubt some uses of plastic are unavoidable. There are many legitimate industrial and medical uses for the substance. For example, many medical procedures require plastic tubing and other uses of plastic material. Diabetic patients also require  single-use plastics for insulin and plastic straws are cheap and convenient for those recovering from injury as well as those with a permanent physical disability. Because of the need for plastics in these vital medical procedures, going plastic-free would be impossible. 

However, abuse and/or misuse of plastic as a convenience product produces waste at an alarming level. An example is the excessive use of plastic bags around the globe. The proliferation of single use plastic bags has caused severe environmental damage. They rip, tear, and float away in the slightest breeze and are a hazard for the environment and wildlife. They are not biodegradable and can therefore cause environmental toxicity for generations. 

Between 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste ends up in our oceans, damaging the marine ecosystem with possible long-term ecological consequences. Improper disposal of plastic waste also results in soil contamination. Further damage is done when these plastics release harmful chemicals as they break down, affecting soil quality and  harming plants, animals, and microorganisms. Sadly, most of this waste  is generated in impoverished countries where garbage collections are unreliable or non-existent. In these communities, most plastic waste is incinerated in homes or on streets or in small dumps without environmental controls. As with the manufacture of plastics, the burning of plastic waste produces greenhouse gases, releases cancer-causing dioxins, and causes particulate pollutants that are incredibly damaging to human health.

Domestic animals are often fed food embedded with plastic. In India, many cows and buffalos die every year eating discarded food wrapped in plastic bags. In September 2019, the New Delhi Zoo’s last cape buffalo died after eating a plastic bag. Marine animals are also at risk as they can easily ingest or become entangled in plastic debris. Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems by affecting the balance of various species and the frequency of their interactions. Overall, plastic debris in natural habitats leads to changes in biodiversity, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem function. 

Addressing an intergovernmental panel on Oct. 28, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, UN Secretary General António Guterres stated, “Plastic pollution is everywhere – all around us and even inside us – from our seas to our blood to our brains. We are choking on plastic.” 

Micro and Nano Plastics (MnPs)

Plastics also exist as microscopic and nano particles released from larger products. They are invisible to the naked eye and are seen as a critical problem for climate change by many due to this lack of visibility. 

Microplastics are defined as fragments smaller than 5 millimeters while nano plastics are smaller than 1 micrometer. Together, they are referred to by the acronym MnPs. Recent studies indicate that they are in the air and dust we breathe, the water we drink, the rain and snow falling from the sky, the food we eat, the paints we use, and the cosmetics we wear. 

MnPs slough off from dental aligners, toothbrushes, food packaging, takeout containers, plastic bottles, and in building infrastructure. They are also released from synthetic clothing, plastic fabrics, plastic carpets, and furniture. Other sources of MnPs include fertilizers, soil, irrigation, and food crops. Yearly, billions of vehicles worldwide shed an estimated 6 million tons of tire fragments, accounting for 28% of microplastics entering the environment globally.

Scientific evidence shows that microplastics are accumulating in critical human organs, including the brain, human lungs, placentas, reproductive organs, livers, kidneys, knee and elbow joints, blood vessels and bone marrow. The health hazards that result from this accumulation  are not yet well-known though recent studies are suggesting microplastics could increase the risk of various conditions such as oxidative stress which can lead to cell damage and inflammation, as well as cardiovascular disease. 

Efforts to Reduce Plastic Use

In 2022, UN member states agreed on a resolution to end plastic pollution. An Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee was assigned to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution to be finalized by the end of 2024. On Nov. 25, 2024, members of this committee met in South Korea to finalize this Global Plastic Treaty. Despite the deadline, no agreement was reached, and discussions were left to be continued in the coming year(s).

To get ahead of the game, many countries and some states in the U.S. banned plastic bags. In February 2024, Ireland introduced the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). The program levied a refundable tax on plastic bottles that is given back to consumers once they return their empty containers. Similar initiatives have been adopted in many European countries, and the results are astonishing. For example, the recycling rate of plastic bottles in Norway is 97%.  

HUID, a startup based in Oban, Scotland with support from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, is developing eco-friendly packaging made from onion skins. Onion skins have antimicrobial properties, meaning the packaging could help extend the shelf life of perishable foods. Though promising, this project is still in its early phases and it  will take some time for it to become commercially viable. 

In the U.S., on Oct. 28, 2024, Southwest Airlines announced that it was introducing a new cold cup consisting of 93% non-plastic materials containing a pulp blend of 75% bamboo and 25% paper with polyethylene lining. The airline expects to reduce in-flight single-use plastic by more than 1.5 million pounds annually.

Ramadan Resolution – Limiting Exposure to Plastic 

“But waste not by excess: for God loves not the wasters” (Quran 6:141).

Considering the health and environmental hazards of plastic use, as Muslims we can take a moment to reflect on our own actions and explore ways to make Ramadan practices more sustainable and more eco-friendly. In the spirit of our responsible stewardship of the Earth, we should act to minimize carbon footprints and to preserve the blessings of nature for future generations. Small changes will make a positive impact by incorporating sustainable practices into daily life during and beyond the holy month of Ramadan.

Consider adopting the following steps:  

• Avoid single-use plastics – utilize non-plastic straws, plates and cutlery alternatives, when possible.
• Rethink food storage; use stainless or glass containers, when possible. Do not use plastic baggies, plastic wrap, plastic storage containers, or materials such as Styrofoam. 
• Use reusable shopping bags. 
• Avoid using cosmetics that contain microplastics
• Use refillable water bottles instead of disposable, plastic bottled water.
• Use bars of soap instead of liquid shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, or  hand soaps.
• Avoid microwaving food or beverages in plastic containers.
• Do not put plastic in the dishwasher.
• Recycle all plastic containers.
• Look at the recycling code on the bottom of product packaging to find the plastic type and avoid plastics with recycling codes 3, which typically contain phthalates.

The ISNA Green Initiative Team appreciates the minimization of the use of  plastics to safeguard our collective health and protect the only environment we have.

The ISNA Green Initiative Team includes Huda Alkaff, Saffet Catovic, Nana Firman, Uzma Mirza, and S. Masroor Shah (chair).

The post Envisioning a Plastic-Free Ramadan appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Rasheed Rabbi

Jan/Feb 2025

For over 1,400 years, Muslims across the world have been observing Ramadan – a sacred month of fasting and spiritual renewal, a timeless journey of faith that rekindles the soul and strengthens the bond with God. 

Growing up Muslim, I embraced Ramadan rituals wholeheartedly: fasting from dawn to dusk, engaging in extra (tarawee) prayers, and cherishing the warmth of community gatherings. Yet, one encounter forever changed how I experienced this holy month. That moment marked the beginning of a new relationship with Ramadan – one not merely observed but truly lived.

It was a Friday afternoon and I had just stepped out of the Jummah prayer at the mosque when I bumped into a community member. His was a very familiar face, but his radiant smile and sparkling eyes betrayed an uncontainable excitement. Before we could even exchange pleasantries, he leaned in and, with the intensity of someone sharing a secret, asked, “Are you ready for your Ramadan revelation?”

I dismissed his question initially as overzealous enthusiasm and responded casually, referencing pre-Ramadan programs in our mosque and that day’s khutbah. Yet, as I walked away, his glowing demeanor lingered in my mind. A pang of guilt began to creep in – why didn’t I feel the same anticipation? What was I missing?

Determined to understand, I turned back to him and asked, “What excites you the most about Ramadan?” 

Instantaneously with a mysterious smile, he replied, “Can you guess?” I rattled off a few well-known blessings of Ramadan. “Is it because Satan will be chained? Or that our good deeds will be multiplied seventy times?”

He nodded his head. “More than that!”

I added, “Is it the arrival of endless blessings? Or the opening of Paradise and the closing of hellfire for an entire month?” His silence and unwavering smile made me more intrigued, and I continued, “Is it that, every night of Ramadan, a number of people will be freed from hellfire unconditionally out of God’s Mercy?” 

Yet his unchanged expression prompted me to press on, quoting familiar verses from the Quran to emphasize my point. It must be “the arrival of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, greater than a thousand months (Quran 97:1-3)?” Or the de-facto Ramadan verses quoted in all sermons (Khutbas),“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa” (2:183).

God-Consciousness and the Ramadan Revelation 

He nodded his head slowly, saying, “Close, but not quite there!” He went on to explain that from verses 2:40 to 182, God explicitly called out the Children of Israel, recounting the countless blessings He had bestowed upon them despite their repeatedly refusal of His commands. As a final mercy, fasting was prescribed for them as a tool to purify their hearts and cultivate God-consciousness (2:183). The following verse describes a period of fasting of “a few days” (2:184) indicating that this fast is not Ramadan fasting for a whole month. Still, the Children of Israel struggled to embrace this process, failing to grasp the transformative potential of fasting. 

Then, with a deliberate shift, God moves from ancient narratives to offer the timeless decree: “Ramadan is the month for the Qur’an revelation as guidance for humanity and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” (2:185). My friend paused, his eyes glinting with meaning. “This verse,” he continued, “is the very heart of Ramadan, if you take a moment to reflect on it.”

A flicker of pride sparked within me, and I couldn’t resist sharing, “I know this verse.” I said, perhaps too quickly, “It’s the only verse in the Quran that explicitly mentions Ramadan.”

His lips broke into an encouraging smile. “It’s neither merely a historical reference point for the Qur’an’s first revelation nor about competing to complete the Qur’an for extra barakah during the month,” he replied. “It’s about preparing yourself to let the Quran descend upon you anew.” 

His words gave me pause. Before I could dismiss them as overly abstract, he continued with clarity and conviction: all the attributes of Ramadan – 70+ fold rewards, the closure of hellfire, the opening of paradise – are merely teasers. They set the stage to settle our hearts and harvest the greater goal of fasting: achieving God-consciousness (taqwa) and with it, a free heart that can receive revelation from God. 

Fasting is the Gateway to True Freedom

My friend went on to remind me that the word for fasting, sawm, literally means “to make oneself free.” This freedom is not limited to abstaining from food or drink; it’s a liberation from the baggage that binds our souls. It’s a freedom from sensory appetites, freedom from errors and sins, and freedom to attain a state of lasting liberation for our heart and inner self. 

Today the idea of freedom is used to easily beguile us into misconceptions of self-indulgence. We frequently mistake freedom for our unchecked pursuit of desires. While seeking freedom, our indulgences – food, drink, distractions, fears, and countless other habits – become invisible bondages that keep us tethered to a false sense of liberty.

True freedom, however, lies in breaking these bonds. Abstinence from food and drink frees our bodies from overindulgence, aiming to clear the haze that clouds our inner vision. As Satan is restrained during Ramadan, and fasting quietens the clamor of our sensory whispers (114:4), our souls rise above the dominion of the carnal self and attune to its pure essence, the fitra – our original state of being (30:30).. So, fasting is not mere deprivation; it’s an act of releasing the sensory appetite while preparing the soul for its divine commune.

The link between fasting and freedom began to resonate me, but the idea of revelation still felt elusive. Sensing my confusion, my friend urged me to think beyond the narrow interpretations of divine revelation exclusive to prophets through the Angel Gabriel. 

He continued, “And it is not for a man that God should speak to him except by direct revelation, or from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger to reveal by His command what He pleases. Surely, He is Mighty, Wise. And thus, have We revealed to thee the Word by Our command. Thou didst not know what the Book was, nor what was the faith. But We have made the revelation a light, whereby We guide such of Our servants as We please. And truly thou dost guide mankind to the right path” (42:52-53).

This verse demonstrates that the current context and form of our revelation are indeed different, but the essence is the same. Revelation is a light (42:53) to gain Godly insight into life and it takes place within the human heart (26:192), not just through the ears or mind. Fasting enforces the required setting to liberate our hearts where the light can descend from the Light (24:35), to let us look through His signs (ayat) beyond the letters. 

The Quran is not a destination, but a direction (2:2, 3:4) to look through the essence of God that animates everything in existence, every parable of life (18:54; 30:58). Revelation, whether Quran [2:185, 25:1], Torah [2:53; 21:48], or personal inspiration (42:51), is Furqan, a criterion (2:53, 185; 25:1), that distinguishes right from wrong. Such a righteous way of life ensures glad tidings (10:64). Thus, receiving personal revelation during Ramadan means nurturing a lasting inspiration within our hearts to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary, the mundane to the divine. 

Fasting across Faiths and Eras

All prophets and leaders across almost all major religions, embrace fasting as a primary spiritual practice. Hinduism(est. 5000 BCE), has neither a founder nor any one sacred scripture, yet fasting is prescribed to achieve the Hindu Trinity of purity, passion, and inertia.Judaism (est.1500 to 1350 BCE) holds that Moses (‘alayi as salam) the great Prophet, fasted for 40 days before he received his prophethood. Jainism (600 BCE) teaches that Mahavira attained nirvana while he was fasting. Around the same period, in 550 BCE, Buddhism emerged and Buddha fasted for 49 days and nights to attain enlightenment.   

Confucius, the founder of Confucianismfasted, and encouraged mass fasting for purification within the Chinese empire. Similarly, Shintoism, an ancient Japanese religion that emerged around 500 BCE stressed purification through fasting. In Christianity (est. 1-33 CE), Jesus (‘alayhi as salam) received scripture after fasting for 40 days. His example established the practice of the Lenten Fast. Finally, in 570-632 CE, Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) received his Revelation while meditating on Mount Hira to proclaim the foundations of Islam. 

All these leaders fasted not only for self-discipline but to receive individual revelation, whether in formal scripture or informal inspiration and to transcend the ordinary in their lives. For it’s not the poison of the devil that ruins our longing for the divine, but it’s the dribble of plain water that we drink in routine. It’s not the banquet of the wicked that diverts us from being noble, but the endless nibbling at our dining table. It’s not the toxin of Satan that turns us away, but the indulgence into the gracious gifts of God, that lead us astray from His love. Such mundane serfdom can successfully be liberated by mindful fasting.

“Allah intends for you ease, not burden” (2:185) with Ramadan, which is not a test of endurance but a divine invitation for a month-long transformation of our hearts to receive divine light and lasting insights that will alter our lives forever. With this sacred season on the horizon, may we rise to meet its universal call to open ourselves to the illuminating light of God’s timeless revelation. 

Rasheed Rabbi is an IT professional who earned an MA in Religious Studies from Hartford Seminary. He  is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University and is also the founder of e-Dawah (www.edawah.net) and secretary of the Association of Muslim Scientists, Engineers & Technology Professionals. He serves as a khateeb and Friday prayer leader at the ADAMS Center and is a certified Muslim chaplain.

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By Amani Salahudeen

July/Aug 2024

For three consecutive years recent surveys conducted by Singapore’s Crescent Rating and the United States’ Dinar Standard have chosen Malaysia as the world’s top destination for Muslim travelers. This hardly comes as a surprise, for the country has all the necessary ingredients of an ideal Islamic tourism destination. With an abundance of halal food, prayer facilities and Islamic attractions, Malaysia perfectly caters to the needs of Muslim travelers. The country’s rich Islamic history and heritage also form layers of fascinating experiences just waiting to be discovered.

Ramadan in Malaysia is also a special celebration. In fact, it felt like a daily celebration. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a vibrant metropolis where all cultures, religions and tastes collide to create a new, modern Asia that bears no resemblance to any other place I’ve ever been. 

Spending Ramadan in a Muslim-majority country was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Hearing the adhan throughout the day and seeing advertisements featuring Muslimas all around was amazing. As an American, this was unusual for me, but wonderful to witness. Malaysia is also one of the prettiest places to visit. There’s so much Islamic history there, and the country is so picturesque. 

During Ramadan, Malaysia’s Muslims abstain from eating in public and eateries typically do not serve Muslim customers during fasting hours. Non-Muslims wishing to show respect for this tradition can opt to dine during quieter times and avoid public restaurants during the day. 

My family enjoyed visiting Kuala Lumpur’s National Blue Mosque and Pink Mosque, both of which provide ample space for women to pray and perform their pre-prayer ablutions. These facilities are among the best I’ve ever used. Malaysians have a traditional prayer outfit, and many spares are available for those who might like to wear one. 

The mosques are open to everyone. Non-Muslims are given robes to wear upon entering. The taraweeh prayer was a lot shorter than expected, but the sense of community is palpable. The only downside was that many of these mosques were not wheelchair accessible, so my grandmother couldn’t join us. 

Malaysia has a joyful atmosphere during Ramadan. Large retail centers in the capital go all out for Eid al-Fitr (aka Hari Raya Aidilfitri), bursting with sales and community dinners as moreh, a Ramadan supper held after the taraweeh prayer. The radio plays regional songs celebrating Eid, and at night the sky is filled with fireworks.

Foodies Rejoice

Since 64% of Malaysians are Muslim, most of the food is halal. This makes going to the grocery stores less of a hassle than it is here in the U.S. The food is flavorful and isn’t as spicy as I anticipated. 

An absolute haven for foodies, Kuala Lumpur is transformed into a feast of stories and cultures thanks to this melting pot of nationalities. Since rice (nasi) is a staple of most major meals, one of the best dishes I enjoyed was nasi lemak, a delicious combination of coconut milk rice served with sambal (chili sauce or paste), fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts and cucumber. You can also add a fried egg on top to enjoy nasi goreng. 

The capital is known for its street food, which I loved. But I also made sure to check out more contemporary restaurants and hangouts in the area because I’m constantly searching for the best place to eat. Getting to sample halal Vietnamese pho (fragrant beef noodle soup with fresh toppings) for the first time was one of the nicest meals.

Among the best sights to see is the Islamic Art Museum Malaysia (IAMM). Located in central Kuala Lumpur’s Lake Gardens neighborhood, it spans 33,000 square feet. Since its opening in 1998, IAMM has housed over 10,000 artifacts. Its Scholar’s Library has an outstanding collection of Islamic art publications. Among the artworks on exhibit are the smallest jewelry items to one of the largest scale replicas of the Masjid al-Haram. The museum emphasizes Asia, rather than focusing on works from the Middle East and Persia. Most notably, China, India and Southeast Asia are well represented.

My favorite part was getting to see how masjids looked in various Asian countries through decades. I also loved seeing that the museum’s library had works by popular Malaysian authors, including Hanna Alkaf, one of my favorites. 

The Istana Negara (King’s Palace) draws tens of thousands of tourists with its Islamic style architecture and golden domes. Under its constitutional monarchy system, each of the country’s nine states has its own monarch. Every five years, or whenever a vacancy occurs, they convene as the Majlis Raja-Raja (Conference of Rulers) to elect among themselves the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme Head of the Federation). 

The Royal Museum, which is situated on the royal grounds, offers information on the monarchs even though one cannot enter the palace itself. For example, it was fascinating to discover during a tour that many people do not realize that the king usually serves the nation for a term of five years before handing it over to someone else.

Even though the weather is incredibly hot, there is the occasional pleasant evening breeze. It would be preferable to stay somewhere that offers central air conditioning. Getting around with Malaysia’s version of Uber was also a little difficult because of the language, some miscommunication and the blatant lack of customer service — one day we spent over 35 minutes waiting in the heat for a car to pick us up. 

This was a very different trip from any place I’ve ever visited. In Malaysia, Ramadan is a vibrant celebration of faith, culture and community, rather than just a time for religious devotion. Whether you choose to join in the customs or just watch the celebration, spending the holy month in a Muslim country offered a unique cultural experience that made a lasting impression upon me. 

Amani Salahudeen (B.A., professional writing and journalism, The College of New Jersey; M.A., secondary English education, Western Governors University) has been published in Pop Culturalist, Muslim Girl, Her Campus and The Signal.

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By Eshal Khan

July/Aug 2024

I have spent every Ramadan of my life in the U.S. However, this year we were fortunate to have our Indiana University Spring Break coincide with the start of Ramadan. My sister and I really wanted to spend at least part of the holy month in a Muslim country. It took us quite a lot of back and forth with our parents, but we stood our ground. 

Despite hearing the usual “Fasting while traveling is hard.” “It’s going to be tiring.” “You won’t have much time there,” we persevered. Our first Ramadan in Dubai was a memorable experience. 

The cultural environment in that single week offered a small glimpse of what my family and I were missing out on. Fasting with the majority population, staying up, eating sehri, going to the mosque and every other tradition I had with my small group back home was a largely shared experience of what felt like everyone in the country. We’d all stay up together and go on walks late at night, and would see many others doing the same thing. 

My favorite iftar food we had there would have had to be shawarma and my favorite sehri food would have had to be the dates they had there. My mom was so grateful to enjoy iftar with her brother after 24 years. 

Some restaurants would be open nearly all night, and everyone would be there eating and laughing together. At maghrib time every store would close, thus allowing a gap for dinner and prayer. The adhan would play at every prayer nationwide. Dates and water were always being offered in case people didn’t have one to break their fast. All these things fostered a sense of collectivity and a real feeling of belonging in a large group, something I did not feel in the U.S. 

I felt like Dubai bent over backward to make accommodations for Ramadan, but it was done so seamlessly that it felt like no effort was involved. Scheduling life around fasting and prayer times showed the deeply rooted importance of tradition and faith. Reflecting on my experience, I feel like I have a newfound appreciation for my religion. 

Ramadan in the U.S. has always been an exhilarating experience and creates an atmosphere of excitement with sometimes being able to skip classes and other shared traditions that helped build a community and sense of belonging among the small Muslim population of Plainfield, Ind. 

Yet the fact that the community itself is so small can lead to a feeling of displacement at times when the personal significance of Ramadan is not widely recognized in the town itself. Islam is a minority religion in this country, so celebrating it sometimes can be lonely or make you feel out of place when talking with school friends. Eid is never a day off (unless it falls on a weekend), yet this was the only kind of Ramadan and Eid we’d ever known.

Both experiences were vastly different and offered a contrast in cultural immersion and communal participation. Seeing people band together in Dubai and celebrate with such love for the holy month made me determined to extend those characteristics into Ramadan here in the U.S.  I think ways that I would continue bringing some attributes to America would be by hosting more iftars and sehris with my friends and family. I would also try to make Ramadan feel less like a chore and more like something that I can shape my life around. Indulging in religion and prayer feels very easy during Ramadan, so taking advantage of that boost has become very important to me.

Eshal Khan is a Junior at Indiana University. She is studying neuroscience and likes to run in her free time.

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By Yvonne Maffei

Mar/Apr 2024

It can feel so ironic: Ramadan is an incredible opportunity to zone in on what’s most important now and to our afterlife, a time to deepen our connection with God and spend less time on worldly desires. Yet it seems a common phenomenon to spend more time shopping for food, cooking, and entertaining. This emphasis on food leaves us with no real quality time for the intended purpose of fasting: to increase our acts of worship.  

Fasting is meant to aid in that process by affording us this vast open space of time so that we are free for ‘ibada via such methods as reading more Quran, doing more dhikr, increasing acts of charity and offering extra prayers. However, we can easily end up focusing a bit too much on food preparation and planning entertainment like large iftar gatherings. 

Although sharing iftar is a wonderful way to stay connected socially and gain the good deeds of feeding our fellow fasters, there are some important ways to maximize our time in order to derive many benefits from this holy month. With some planning, we can also reduce the stress and overwhelming feelings that creep in by packing too many unnecessary things in a day and over the course of the month. 

If you don’t want to be slaving in the kitchen for hours upon hours this Ramadan, yet you want to create delicious and nutritious iftar and suhoor dishes, here are a few of my best suggestions to accomplish just that.

Quality Over Quantity

There is a common saying among great chefs: “You’re only as good as the quality of your ingredients.” Essentially, you really can’t produce great food with low-quality products. I would also add that, more importantly, the food’s quality determines its nutritional value. Choosing the most nutrient-dense foods will provide a power punch of vitamins and minerals to your diet — and you don’t need to consume a large amount to receive that nutrition. 

To get those foods, seek out quality, chemical-free ingredients grown in nutrient-rich soil at local farmers markets, organic foods from your local grocer and seasonal and local products from your local food co-operative. Doing so will usually provide a vast increase in your food’s nutritional value than conventionally grown food that has been sprayed with insecticides and pesticides and shipped around the world and across the country to get to your plate. So much of its nutritional value is lost during this process. If you want to be really satisfied when you eat, choose quality over quantity. In addition, you’ll be choosing better health. In this case, less can be more. 

Simplicity is Key

There’s really no need to slave over a stove for hours just to put a healthy meal on the table. Some of the best, most flavorful ingredients require minimal processing. When you choose seasonal and local produce, you don’t have to do much to it. In fact, it’s preferable not to add anything extra, for you want to taste the vegetables and fruits and the good meats and fish you’ve brought home, not drown them in flavors and sauces that mask their true essence. 

That simplicity brings out their full flavor, satisfies the senses and develops the palette for the taste of real food. Imagine a sun-ripened summer tomato — at most all it needs is a tiny bit of sea salt and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Once you’ve tried this, you’ll never want an out-of-season tomato drowning in a sauce that masks its lack of freshness. 

Put Family Favorites on Repeat

Who says you must have 30 days of different dishes in Ramadan? One of the most efficient ways to keep things simple and reduce your overall stress about cooking and serving healthy meals during this month is to list, cook and put your family favorites on repeat. 

Of course, this list needs to be made well before the month starts. But you can brainstorm your favorites, match them up with what’s in season and plan your shopping. Think practically about how these dishes will work. Are they super time-consuming, for example? Prep ahead of time or think about how they can be simplified to achieve maximum success in making things simpler and tastier. 

Sample Meal and Ingredient Suggestions for a Spring Ramadan

Salads are a great dish to consume in the spring because of the nice variety of cold-weather crops like arugula, spinach, red leaf and Romaine lettuce varieties. Utilize all the fresh and in-season leafy green vegetable options, as well as beets, carrots and cucumbers. Add a touch of sumac for a citrus flavor and a very good olive oil for its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Another vegetable variety that packs a power punch and is widely available in spring is the vast array of mushrooms. When cooked well, mushrooms can almost make you think you’re eating meat. They’re hearty and earthy, and you can find inexpensive varieties like the Cremini mushroom, which is such a perfect and delicious option. Sauté them in a mixture of olive oil and butter and add only salt, pepper and fresh or dried parsley. This can be a meal in and of itself, as well as a side dish or addition to rice or pasta. 

Alternatively, you can make a more delicate dish like Risotto with Asparagus and Green Peas — two wonderfully fragrant and light spring vegetables that pair lovely with fish but can also be a meal on its own. 

Even meat has a season and, during the spring it’s spring lamb that will be freshly available, especially if you can source it from a local farm. For large gatherings, roast a leg of lamb. For smaller gatherings, make a lovely rack of lamb with date sauce or oven-roasted lamb chops with just a few added seasonings and fresh or dried herbs like thyme and oregano. 

For early morning suhoor meals, keep fresh seasonal fruits like raspberries and blueberries on hand so they can be juiced or made into yogurt parfaits or smoothies. 

Desserts don’t have to be complicated, either. Add some melted chocolate, chopped pistachio and coconut to some of those dates you’ll surely have on hand, pop them in the freezer and in just an hour or so you’ll have a chewy, creamy dessert that took less than five minutes to prepare. 

To sum up, find the best ingredients and keep the recipes simple to maximize your time and effort. This will also help maximize the flavor and nutritional value of the meals you serve. 

Yvonne Maffei, MA, is a food and travel writer, independent researcher, cookbook author and entrepreneur. She is the founder of MyHalalKitchen.com, the first website on halal food and cooking. Her mission is to make global cuisine halal and spread the concept of culinary diplomacy as a means of bringing everyone to the table. Her cookbooks include “My Halal Kitchen” (2016) and “Summer Ramadan Cooking” (2013). She divides her time between the U.S. and Canada — and anywhere else she can travel around the world.

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By The ISNA Green Initiative Team

Mar/Apr 2024

For the past ten years, the ISNA Green Initiative Team (hereinafter “team”) has been encouraging mosques, Islamic centers, schools, homes and individuals to adopt environmentally friendly practices. The site energystar.gov has recognized ISNA as an Energy Star Success Story.

As Muslims, we know that the blessed month of Ramadan has many layers of significance, among them the revelation of the Quran’s first verses and the bestowal of prophethood upon Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). During this month, Muslims are not just required to fast from food and drink but are also instructed to engage in spiritual contemplation by focusing on self-improvement and increased worship, as well as practice self-restraint, sacrifice, empathy for the less fortunate and abandon wasteful practices ( Quran 6:141).

The team encourages the leadership of Muslim institutions to form a “green team” that can guide their community toward more eco-conscious practices. Ramadan is a great time to give up bad habits and begin new ones. This team can be instrumental in getting youth involved in creating awareness and educating members about the significance of observing a greener Ramadan.

It’s not easy to change habits, but with some perseverance the Islamic Center of Evansville, Ind., has had some success. For example, no plastic water bottles are allowed during iftar and other community events. Attendees have become more mindful about minimizing food waste. And, they installed solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint and received EPA Energy Certification in 2022. It also received the IPL “Cool Congregations” runner-up award of $500.

“Your mosque is one of only 130 congregations to have achieved ENERGY STAR certification for their worship facilities,” said Jerry Lawson (national manager, Small Business and Congregations, EPA). “This is out of 39,368 total U.S. facilities certified, and out of about 400,000 U.S. worship facilities.” 

Ramadan is a great time to remember our responsibility to care for and protect Earth, which, by God’s grace, provides the food we need to sustain a healthy life. Interacting mindfully with our environment and within our ecosystem is a manifestation of faith. As we fast, let’s reaffirm our sense of self-restraint, ethics of conservation and accountability to make this Ramadan both spiritually and practically better. 

To celebrate the tenth Green Ramadan Campaign, ISNA will be awarding $500, $300 and $200 to three mosques that exemplify the best Green Ramadan. The relevant details will be communicated through ISNA’s digital media. In recognition of this effort, the team, through the courtesy of Pen and Ink Pot Foundation, will also plant a tree on your behalf at a place needing trees. Your Islamic center or mosque will also receive a certificate of achievement. After Ramadan ends, please email your contact information and details of your Green Ramadan to isnagreenmasjid@gmail.com. 

Let’s be the change we want to see in the world by turning eco-friendly practices into habits that will allow us to live in a more merciful, compassionate and caring way, so that we “walk upon Earth gently” (25:63).

Fourteen Tips to Make Your Ramadan Greener 

• Reduce food waste. Eat more fruit and vegetables and less meat. Get as much local produce as possible. Remember that the Prophet ate mostly grains, dates, water, milk, honey, vegetables and fruit. 

• Take only what you can finish, eat moderately and repurpose leftovers for the next day’s iftar so that food isn’t thrown away. The Prophet said, “The son of Adam cannot fill a vessel worse than his stomach, as it is enough for him to take a few bites to straighten his back. If he cannot do it, then he may fill it with a third of his food, a third of his drink, and a third of his breath” (“Sunan al-Tirmidhi” 2380)

• Recycle materials, especially plastic water bottles, which take a very long time to decompose and now make up 25-30% of our landfills. Bring your own reusable water bottle to iftar and taraweeh. Avoid using plastic disposable bottles, as an estimated 80% of them are not recycled. 

• Avoid all Styrofoam® plates and cups at iftar parties, as they are nonrecyclable and non-biodegradable. Never warm styrofoam in the microwave, as doing so can release toxic fumes. 

• Place recycling bins in your mosque so people don’t trash all the fundraising fliers and extra literature distributed in Ramadan.

• Replace light bulbs with energy-saver LEDs and schedule your facility for an energy-efficiency audit. Consider installing solar panels, using light sensors and carpooling when possible. Driving with a friend can keep you more accountable for taraweeh and ease parking issues at the mosque. 

• Reduce water use. Use low flow, Energy-Star plumbing fixtures, install water fixture sensors, conserve water even while making wudu’ and use warm to cold water for laundry. As we learn in the hadith, “Never waste water, even if you are at a running stream” (“Sunan Ibn Majah 425”).

• Consider planting trees and vegetable gardens at home and at the mosque. Start a vegetable garden with soil or hydroponics, a type of horticulture that enables crops or medicinal plants to grow without soil by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions. “Any Muslim who plants a tree or sows seeds and then a bird or a person or an animal eats from it is regarded as having given a charitable gift” (“Sahih al-Bukhari” 2320). 

• Strive for a healthy mind, body and spirit. Follow prophetic medicine tips. Buy fair trade products, get daily Vitamin D from sunlight and stay hydrated. Avoid foods with a high concentration of preservatives, sugars, oils and salt. 

• Reconnect with nature and inhale the beauty of God’s creation while reminding yourself to walk gently on Earth.

• Celebrate this month by joining civic activities, volunteering at homeless shelters, collecting food for food pantries, joining community social projects, inviting non-Muslims to community and home iftars and taking care of Muslim inmates. Find ways for children and youth to participate in age-appropriate Ramadan activities. For instance, they can be “Green Ambassadors” during community dinners. 

• Ask your imam to deliver at least one Friday khutba on conserving and protecting the environment and contributing to the greater social good.

• On Eid, gift experiences instead of just more stuff. Your loved ones might enjoy indoor skydiving or a visit to an ice cream museum rather than more cakes and home decor. 

• If you do exchange gifts, opt for reusable gift bags and boxes to avoid wasting wrapping paper. 

Find out more at ISNA Green Initiative – Islamic Society of North America

ISNA’s Green Initiative Team includes Huda Alkaff, Saffet Catovic, Nana Firman, Uzma Mirza and Saiyid Masroor Shah (chair).

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