Ramadan is the most important month in the Islamic calendar. Every year, Muslims around the world fast from dawn until sunset without food or water. Despite being a non-Muslim, I always find it fascinating the self-discipline and dedication Muslims have to their devotion to Allah, fasting for 30 days while still going about daily duties.
It is not just about the fasting that intrigues me; it's also the self-reflection and renewing their faith in Allah, with donations to charities, also known as zakat, and reciting special evening prayers known as Taraweeh, both important aspects of the month.
I've had the pleasure of learning about the holy month as a reporter when I fasted for four days in 2024 and attended an Iftar event at Blue Coat School. This year, I decided to attend an Iftar event at the University of Warwick, organised by the Warwick Islamic Society.
Read more: Coventry restaurants where you can break your fast for Ramadan 2025
Iftar is the meal Muslims have to break their fast, usually with water and dates. It is a sunnah (practice) of Prophet Muhammed. The Warwick Islamic Society offers free daily iftar to Muslims and non-Muslims on campus, a chance to bring the community together and connect with others.
The society offers various socials throughout the holy month, such as halaqa and qiyam socials (which include tea and reflection), as well as daily Taraweeh prayers and Tahajjud in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Tahajjud is a night prayer offered to attain mental strength and peace and is one of the most beloved deeds to Allah.
Before it was time to break the fast, an imam discussed the unfortunate events in Gaza and informed attendees the holy month is a time to reflect on those who don't have food or water in third-world countries. This was heard through the speakers in the Islamic Prayer Hall in the women's section, and listening to his words was quite educational and made me reflect on how lucky we are.
The fast was broken at 6:07pm when I visited on March 12 when a call to prayer was completed, which felt peaceful, and the room went silent as everyone took it in. After the fast was broken, prayers were completed, and then it was time for Iftar, where I had a potato vegetable curry with rice (which was very tasty). There were also snacks throughout the evening, from biscuits, fruits, and popcorn handed out.
I spoke to some of the students and attendees about their Ramadan experiences. Hadeer Sayedelahl, 31, an international student from Egypt, says Ramadan is a chance to 'feel grateful' and appreciate the small things: "When I feel that I am hungry or thirsty, I thank Allah for giving me this food because there are people in other countries who are suffering, have no food or water and are living in bad conditions, so it reminds me of the blessings I have.
"To stay motivated, I'd say prayer helps me focus, so keep up with the five daily prayers, give money for the needy, and be practical in your routine."
Hadeer misses her family while in the UK during Ramadan but says she has family here due to the sisterhood on campus. "Ramadan is very different in Egypt, as my family usually watches programmes at Iftar time, we go to other people's houses, and there are lots of decorations and street gatherings. In the UK, I have made some great friends, and the sisters are so welcoming that I can ask questions or answer any questions. The feeling and atmosphere on campus during the holy month is amazing, so I don't feel left out."
Yelena Ko, 32, a friend of Hadeer, reverted to Islam four years ago and says it is the 'kindest religion'. "The grounding and appreciation is what makes Ramadan so important to me, especially as a revert because we don't know every single aspect since we are learning. It's a great way to cleanse your soul and body, and it's like a detox. When you do intention, it's magic, and god makes it easy, so it's best to take it easy and listen to your body."
Another student, Rafey, explained how Ramadan is the time to become more 'God-conscious': "Fasting is the one deed that is the most private. No one is going to know whether you're fasting or not when you're alone. That's between you and God.
"It's the level of consciousness you gain that you have been watched by Allah for a month. It's the month to develop connections and train ourselves to be better for the rest of the year."
Brotherhood in Islam is a core value that describes the relationship between Muslims as brothers and sisters in faith. Muslims are encouraged to love, respect, and help one another, promote peace and reconciliation, and work together for common causes.
Rafey adds that it is important to have brotherhood: "I see a lot of familiar faces on my course in lectures that I might not have known were Muslim, but once Ramadan begins, I see the same people who may not have been as active in the prayer hall suddenly come in and wouldn't have usually spoken to and be surprised that they're just like me.
"You chat, and you bond over the fact that you both believe in the same god, and that's the only reason why we call each other brothers. It's the only reason everyone in the prayer hall can go up and speak to each other because they fear god in the same way I do."
Warwick Islamic Society member Umair says that the society has made an 'impact' since he came to university. "Before I came to uni, I wasn't really practicing, but now I am a practicing Muslim because of it, and I am quite involved in the activities and socials. The society is very welcoming and understanding, we get a diverse range of people from all backgrounds, and you get to learn a lot from others, so without this community, I wouldn't have anyone to turn to."
When asked for one piece of advice for Ramadan, Rafey concluded with 'read the Quran' as the holy month is when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammed.
"Most people set themselves the challenge to finish the Quran once during Ramadan. Sometimes, schedules can get hectic and busy, so I don't get to finish a designated portion, which can lead to a lack of motivation and frustration.
"Your worship is between you and your lord. It's not governed by finishing a certain amount of pages if you don't get anything from it. If you read a bit and reflect and it's positive then that's good. But it's important to focus on your own path and do what you can. The door of repentance is always open," he added.
For more information about the Warwick Islamic Society, visit the Facebook page here or their Instagram @warwick.isoc.
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