Over a billion Muslims worldwide, including 200,000 in the Harris County area, have begun the observance of Ramadan. People across the world celebrate Ramadan differently, but for all Muslims, it is a time of reflection and service dedicated to connecting with their faith.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which varies throughout the years — this year, Ramadan began the evening of February 28, when the crescent moon was spotted. According to the Islamic faith, this month is when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast. From dusk until dawn, they cannot eat or drink anything. Fasting, or Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and is believed to be a way to encourage self-restraint and spiritual growth.

Fasting goes beyond food. During Ramadan, Muslims are also encouraged to practice self-awareness, reflect, and correct thoughts and actions that could interfere with their connection to God.

“For me, Ramadan is really about reset, reflect, and reconnect,” said Precinct 4’s Grants and Partnership Coordinator Wagma Isaqzoy. “Ramadan is truly a month where I get to detox, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and reevaluate everything that I do. Does it have a purpose? Does it have a point? Why am I doing what I'm doing?”

How do people observe Ramadan?

While fasting is central to observing Ramadan, it is also a time of prayer, community gatherings, and acts of charity. You can often find mosques packed before dawn and after dusk with people eating and worshipping together. In the evenings, people gather for Maghrib — the sunset prayer — and iftar, the meal eaten after sundown to break fast. Often, nights run late as people stay for Tarawih, a special prayer recited during Ramadan, which can last about an hour.

During the month of Ramadan, many mosques, restaurants, and other organizations hold a free iftar each evening open to anyone, as charity is a fundamental belief of Islam. This year, Precinct 4 held its third annual iftar to connect with its Muslim residents and build community across the region.

“Everyone's booking up their calendars, trying to see where they're going to be,” said Precinct 4’s Director of Community Assistance Najat Elsayed. “The weekends are always super popular. People are mosque-hopping from one place to the other across the county.”

When does Ramadan end?

The month of Ramadan ends when the crescent moon is sighted, normally about 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the month. The day the crescent moon is spotted is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, one of the two major Islamic holidays.

Eid can last up to three days, and it often starts by attending a mosque for prayer in the morning and visiting with family throughout the day. Many celebrate the holiday with special treats, gifts, and carnivals.

“As an Afghan, during Eid al-Fitr, the elders would give money to the younger kids as a gift,” said Wagma. “When I was a child, we would get so excited because every adult would give us money.”

How can I learn more?

For those curious about Ramadan and Islam, Wagma encourages people to ask questions and do their research. As someone who grew up not understanding the ins and outs of Ramadan, she knows many non-Muslims may not understand the month or its traditions.

“I love it when people ask me a question because I know that I used to have questions,” said Wagma. “What may be common sense to one person may not be common sense to another.”

This Ramadan, make sure to wish practicing friends and neighbors “Ramadan Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Ramadan.” Mosques across the county are open to all, and people are encouraged to visit for iftar.