SUMAYA SHIHAB
In a world constantly in flux, where change is the only constant, Ramadan offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper aspects of life.
Every year, as we grow older, we lose people and things, gain experience, and watch as our world continuously shifts. Artificial intelligence reshapes industries, economies fluctuate, and wars redraw borders overnight.
Imagine if, for just one day and night, everything stopped.
In other words, what if you stepped away from your usual life—whether chaotically messy or routinely stable—and someone handed you a lens to view your life in comparison to others around the world or to what it ought to be? Would you take part in this experiment?
This reflection is what Ramadan means for Muslims across the globe. It is a time to step back and cut down on food and water—the two most essential components of life. But they don’t do it for just one day and night; they do it for an entire month. Can you picture someone fasting from sunrise to sunset every day for a month? How would that change them? Naturally, they would have more time, no longer occupied with eating or drinking. They would think about food and water often, which would deepen their empathy for those who suffer from hunger or drought, making them more humble. But they do not fast for material rewards, such as a healthier body or a stronger immune system (which they still gain); rather, they do it for spiritual fulfillment. This, in turn, detaches them from worldly pursuits—whether it’s the promotion they’re chasing, the relative’s flashy house they envy, the outfit they’re saving up for, or even the Instagram post they want to flaunt. Instead, they become more centered on what truly matters: a fulfilling life, a balanced routine, a calm mind, a happy family, and meaningful friendships. Since fasting is an act of devotion, they would strive to preserve its spiritual effect—avoiding harmful words, gossip, and wrongdoing while fostering kindness. They would aim to become the best versions of themselves: helping others, speaking the truth, keeping promises, strengthening bonds with colleagues and neighbors, and performing as many good deeds as possible.
Ramadan is a time to tend to this heart—disciplining the soul, taming desires, and rediscovering inner strength. Those who take part in this journey are rewarded with a grand celebration: Eid Al-Fitr, a four-day festival marking the end of Ramadan. In Saudi Arabia, the festivities begin with an early morning prayer on the first day, followed by gatherings filled with Saudi coffee, baklava, qatayef, maamoul, hinini, and mutabbaq. Eat your fill and enjoy the holidays!
When one person embraces this transformative experience, their mindset shifts. Now, imagine an entire community doing the same—what kind of ripple effect would that create? For both Muslims and non-Muslims, the significance of Ramadan extends beyond those who observe it. In Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries, the holy month reshapes daily life, creating an atmosphere of patience, generosity, and reflection that is felt by everyone, regardless of background or faith.
Ramadan offers a unique lens into the cultural and spiritual fabric of Saudi and Muslim society. Many find themselves drawn into the season’s spirit—joining iftar gatherings, engaging in acts of kindness, and embracing the communal warmth that defines this time of year. In a world often divided by differences, Ramadan reminds us of the universal values that bring people together: gratitude, self-discipline, and compassion.
Perhaps this is why Ramadan feels more meaningful now than ever before. As headlines shift with unsettling speed and we navigate the complexities of life, this sacred month offers a timeless anchor—reminding us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
What if we carried Ramadan’s lessons with us throughout the year? How different would our lives—and our world—be?
