Articles

Ramadan: A month of spiritual and social reflection

1 March 2025

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By: Muhammad Amin Mir

As the world experiences the sweltering heat in starting of Spring, it is perhaps fitting to recall that the Arabic root word for “Ramadan,” Ramad, signifies the scorching of the earth by intense heat. Ramadan, or Ramadan al-Mubarak, as it is commonly referred to, commenced March this year. What made this Ramadan particularly unique was the fact that Muslims across the world began fasting on the same day. The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is not only an opportunity for Muslims to voluntarily abstain from their daily desires but also serves as a reminder of how closely nature is intertwined with their lives.

Muslims worldwide follow the Hijri calendar to determine their days, months, and years. This calendar began in 622 AD when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions migrated from Mecca to Yathrib (now known as Medina), laying the foundation for the first Muslim community, or Ummah. The Hijri year consists of 12 months, spanning either 354 or 355 days. Since this lunar calendar shifts 11 days earlier each year in comparison to the Gregorian (solar) calendar, the first day of Ramadan varies annually. The obligation of fasting was established in the second year after the Hijrah.

While the sun and the moon have always played a role in marking time, the observance of Ramadan is entirely dependent on their celestial movements. The sighting of the new moon (hilal in Arabic) holds particular significance, as it determines the beginning and end of the holy month, which typically lasts for 29 or 30 days.

Though Ramadan is widely known as the month of fasting, its importance extends far beyond mere abstinence from food and drink. The verses in the Quran related to fasting (Surah Al-Baqarah: 183-188) not only command the act of fasting but also carry deeper metaphorical meanings.

The term Ramadan is derived from Ramad, meaning “intense heat,” while Sawm (fasting) signifies “restraint” or “abstinence.” When the Quran prescribes fasting during Ramadan, it is not solely instructing Muslims to refrain from eating and drinking. It is also an invitation to reflect on the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and understand how he navigated the complex socio-political landscape of his time.

During the pre-Islamic era, Arabian society was rife with tribal warfare, bloodshed, and the brutal practice of burying daughters alive. In response to such injustices, the Prophet (PBUH) championed the Quranic message of peace and justice, exercising immense patience and endurance while refraining from any form of physical retaliation.

It was this commitment to non-violence, tolerance, and unwavering resolve that endeared Islam to the hearts of the Arabian people. If Muslims today seek genuine spiritual progress—defined by Taqwa (self-discipline and consciousness of God)—they must follow the example set by the Prophet. Beyond the formal observance of fasting, they should also adopt a form of Sawm that extends to social reform—eschewing extravagance, ostentation, and unnecessary religious formalities in order to uplift their communities from stagnation and decline.

Ultimately, the purpose of Ramadan is to remind Muslims of their true responsibilities—not just towards themselves, but towards society at large.