The importance of Ramadan and Eid

To celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, we've asked Sahra Abdille to share her thoughts on what this time means to her, and to many Muslims around the world.

What Ramadan and Eid mean to me

Ramadan is known as “the holy month” because it is the month in which the Quran was revealed to the last Prophet Mohammed PBUH. It is during this month that the Prophet Muhammad made his revolutionary migration from Mecca to Medina. As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory to all Muslims who can, as stated in the Quran:

You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa [Good-consciousness]. — The Qur’an, Al-Baqarah: 183

To me, Ramadan is a time of reflection and starting afresh. It also gives me the opportunity to increase my Sabr (patience). Sabr is an important concept in Islam. The word Sabr in Arabic literally means to shackle. Fasting requires us to master patience. We sacrifice our basic human need of eating to emphasise with those who are less fortunate. Count our blessings and give charity to those in need. Fasting teaches empathy and compassion for those less fortunate.

My mother, from a young age, encouraged my siblings and I to bake and share food with neighbours, make cards for people to tell them we appreciated them, and donate money to charity. It is one of my most enjoyable experiences of Ramadan and Eid; giving and celebrating as a community. Our Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) teaches us that even a smile is charity, and I’m convinced that little things in life matter and leads to this bigger picture.

Ramadan makes Muslims more charitable, and during Eid it is customary to give money to children – an important part of Eid celebrations around the world.

My aunties and uncle would give me a folded envelope with swats of cash inside every Eid. Wearing my best Eid outfit, we’d go to the park as a family to pray and play games. I will never forget the giggles and squeals of all the kids as we spend our Eid money on the Ferris wheel rides while indulging the sugar high supplied by candy floss. Definitely a memory I’ll always remember and cherish. Unfortunately, these days I’m told I’m too old to receive Eid money. That’s not to say I’m not open to receiving it!