Understand Ramadan and discover how fasting, prayer and charity make this period a true spiritual new beginning.

If there is one period of the year that really transforms my life every year, that period is Ramadan.

In essence, it comes to us as an invitation to slow down, to look within, and to strengthen our relationship with Allah.

And yes, I would love to share with you all the things I have learned over the years of experience and how we can transform the way we see life. Let's go!

What is it like growing up with Ramadan?

I remember my first Ramadan fasting completely… I was only 11 years old, I was the youngest in the family and I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it.

And in fact, in the first few days, I felt hungry and thirsty like never before!

But as time went on, I saw that fasting doesn’t just mean not eating or drinking. It also means strengthening one’s soul and character!

The best apps to listen to the Quran

Understanding Ramadan: Why is it so special?

Indeed, Ramadan is both the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the five pillars of Islam!

It represents the moment when our prophet Muhammad began to receive the revelations of the Quran!

But more than a religious period, it is a time where we turn our minds and hearts to the self-control, reflection and charity.

Furthermore, Ramadan teaches us to be more patient, grateful and empathetic towards those who have less than us.

During this month, we seek to:

• Strengthen our connection with Allah through prayer and reading the Quran.
• Practice self-discipline, controlling our impulses and thoughts.
• Exercise generosity, helping those who need it most.

It was when I understood these aspects that I realized that the Ramadan is not a sacrifice, but a gift.

Understand Ramadan and its fasting

My first impression when I heard about the Ramadan fast was: “There’s no way that drinking water on that day is also prohibited!”

In fact, the second thing I thought as soon as I heard it was: “How can someone maintain a diet without eating and drinking for so long?”;

However, as the days go by, I realize that fasting is not a prohibition on doing everything we like, but rather a way of strengthening patience, grace and consistency from Allah.

How does fasting work?

• Fasting begins before dawn with a meal called suhoor, which is light but nutritious.
• All day long, you cannot eat, drink, smoke, or have sexual relations.
• The fast ends at sunset with iftar, a meal that usually begins with dates and water following the procedures of the Prophet Muhammad.

In fact, there are some groups of people who do not need to fast, such as children, elderly people who may be in poor health, pregnant or menstruating women, and those who are sick.

That being the case, do you think the purpose of Ramadan is suffering? No, true religious practice, spiritual growth, and compassion actually make us happy!

The unique experience of going to Mecca during Ramadan

For many Muslims, going to Mecca during Ramadan is one of the most special moments of their lives!

After all, this is the holy city of Islam and the place where millions of pilgrims, known as Hajj, perform the pilgrimage.

But Muslims can also go and perform Umrah on any day of the year.

If you've seen pictures of Mecca at this time, you'll know how incredible it is to see millions of pilgrims, wall to wall, crowded everywhere, praying and reflecting.

I have heard reports of people who have done the Umrah during this period and they all describe the experience as something transformer.

After all, I imagine that being in the holy city while living a month of such connection with Allah makes spirituality even more intense!

Ramadan and the economy: how to prepare financially?

Something that many people don't realize is that Ramadan also requires good financial planning…

Since the fast is broken with special meals, many families end up spending more than usual during this period.

For those who can't eat during the day and for those who want to share a meal with Muslim friends, here are some tips from the experts to help you save precious dollars during Ramadan:

• Meals should be planned in advance – buying ingredients in larger quantities will help you save money and avoid waste.
• Avoid overdoing it at iftar – After a day of fasting, it is common to want to eat a lot, but the ideal is to balance quality and quantity.
• Participate in community meals – Many mosques organize free collective iftars, promoting solidarity and helping to save money.
• Set aside an amount for charity – Giving is an essential part of Ramadan, so including it zakat (mandatory contribution) in financial planning makes all the difference.

When I learned how to better manage my spending during Ramadan, I realized that this month It doesn't have to be synonymous with big expenses, but rather with balance and generosity..

How has Ramadan transformed my life?

If there is something that Ramadan taught me, is that this month goes far beyond fasting.

With each passing year, I feel more and more that Ramadan gives me a chance to start over; it is a reconnection with my faith.

And through patience, gratitude and generosity, develop a different character.

The first time I broke my fast with my family, after a long day of self-control, was one of the most special feelings I have ever experienced.

After a whole day of fasting, the taste of dates is even sweeter now; and the water running down your throat has never felt so good – and so, finally comes the moment when we are truly grateful!

Over time, I learned that Ramadan teaches us to look beyond ourselves:

• When I make a donation, I think about those who really need it.
• When I pray, I remember that God has given me another year to improve as a person.
• I sit down to eat with my family at iftar and realize how much God blesses us.

And, do you know what moves me the most? unity that Ramadan brings.

The full mosque during prayers, the sincere hugs on Eid al-Fitr, the feeling that we are all on this journey together.

Understand Ramadan by living this tradition!

If you have never experienced Ramadan, I invite you to learn more, to accompany a Muslim friend, to allow yourself to learn.

And if you, like me, have been living this month for years, May we always take advantage of this opportunity for growth and renewal.

So if this article was good for you, share it with your loved ones so that they can understand Ramadan too.

After all, this is what Ramadan is all about: share, grow and get closer to what really matters.