Understanding the Heart of Ramadan
Ramadan is not just a month of fasting. The heart of the Ramadan season is intentional devotion. Muslims use this time to refocus priorities and sharpen their spiritual practices.
During Ramadan, Muslims focus on daily prayer, reflect on God’s blessings, and share those blessings with their community. Muslims fast from food and drink during daylight hours to sharpen their awareness of God and increase self-control. Christians who practice Lent also pursue these values.
As Christians seeking to love our Muslim friends, recognizing these shared values helps us approach our neighbors with empathy, respect, and understanding.
In Turkey, Ramadan celebrations involve the whole community. Before dawn, drummers walk the streets to wake families for suhoor, the pre-fast meal. The video below shows one of these early-morning moments.