Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant meaning for devout Muslims, who observe specific religious practices during this time.
On Wednesday, children played a central role in a new local tradition marking the beginning of Ramadan.
As night fell, they walked with tiny lanterns from the castle to the Islamic Cultural Centre, where they recited poems. Organisers said the new tradition aims to strengthen integration while allowing families to experience culture and tradition together.
Fasting between sunrise and sunset is one of the focal aspects of Ramadan. Children are not required to fast, but they are encouraged to learn about the values associated with the month. Saima Jusufovic-Mehonic, a qualified Islamic scholar and active member of the Islamic Cultural Centre, explained that discussions with children often focus on respect, gratitude, helpfulness, and social responsibility.
She said Ramadan encourages self-reflection and a deeper understanding of these core values: “We use these words very often but what does it truly mean to be respectful, friendly, and helpful in our every day lives?”, she explained.
Ramadan becomes more serious for those that are deemed emotionally and physically ready. This is usually when children hit puberty. While fasting is what most people know about Ramadan, Saima Jusufovic-Mehonic emphasises that Ramadan has an equally strong social and human dimension strengthening self-discipline and fostering solidarity with those less fortunate.
A typical day during Ramadan begins before sunrise with a shared family meal. During daylight hours, practising Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity. At sunset, families gather for Iftar – the breaking of the fast – either at home with the family, with neighbours. Often people gather at the Islamic Cultural Centre too with potlucks to spend time together.
Part of breaking the fast is an additional prayer, which can also be performed at home. Not everyone is able to spend each evening at the Islamic Cultural Centre during the week, as most people continue to work as usual during Ramadan. The length of the daily fast varies depending on location and the timing of sunrise and sunset. While fasting can be challenging, Jusufovic-Mehonic said it is one of the five pillars of Islam and an essential part of the faith for those who are physically and emotionally able to observe it.
Ramadan lasts for one lunar month and concludes with Eid al-Fitr, the second most important holiday in Islam.
