A thread! Tomorrow at sunset, when the new moon is spotted, the holy month of Ramadan begins inshallah. I am tearing up as I type because Ramadan is a very special time and I wanted to to speak about what Ramadan means to me and almost 2 BILLION others around the world. 1/8

Islam is practiced differently worldwide but the heart of Ramadan is the blessing of giving and charity, recognizing the needs of the poor and oppressed, and taking account of your own actions (good and bad) and making amends where needed. 2/8

Ramadan is not about doing these things for one month but is meant to be a time to strengthen those things to do better throughout the next year. We do this in our communities and within our own hearts. It’s also a time of celebration of community. 3/8

Practically speaking, Muslims fast from all food & water, sunrise to sunset. Muslims eat an early morning meal called Suhoor and break their fast with a meal called Iftar. You are exempt if you are pregnant, on your period, sick, elderly, disabled, too young, etc etc. 4/8

During Ramadan, in addition to the 5 daily prayers, additional/optional night prayers called Taraweeh are performed, often in congregation but not always, as well as waking to pray in the last third of the night. 5/8

Those that have means are expected to give to charity and pay their zakat (a percentage of their wealth) to charitable causes. Pre-pandemic, large Iftar gatherings are often a venue to raise money for humanitarian assistance around the world for Muslims & non-Muslims alike. 6/8

For me, it’s a time to reset, reflect, and spend time self-evaluating in the light of Mercy (and not shame). I am unable to fast because of my health, but Ramadan is less about the tangible absence of food, and more about understanding your relationship with Divine Mercy. 7/8

I find Divine Mercy and Nourishment within myself, closer than my jugular vein, as they say in the scripture. I focus on the nourishment of my being and how my outward actions can better match with my inner desire for peace, charity, and love. Ramadan Mubarak to everyone! 8/8