Muslims around the world are eagerly awaiting the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan, during which our community will fast from dawn until dusk for thirty days. Fasting during this holy month is not an option, but an obligation for Muslims who are healthy and physically capable.

For our community, Ramadan should not just be a month of fasting between dawn and dusk, and feasting between dusk and dawn. It should serve as an opportunity for a personal renewal of faith, repentance, self reflection, and the remembrance of God.

American Muslims should use this month to contemplate on the numerous blessings that God has provided us with. Many of our fellow Muslims around the world do not have the opportunities that we are fortunate to have in this country, such as access to higher education, healthcare, and career opportunities. In many parts of the Muslim world, communities are devastated by war, poverty, illness, and natural disasters. Fasting during this month should remind us of those who are less fortunate, and for whom hunger and starvation is routine.

For American Muslims, Ramadan provides us with an added opportunity to engage in da’wah, educating others about Islam, within our communities, with neighbors, colleagues, and co-workers. Most of our fellow Americans’ have been exposed to Islam, either through the media or through interaction with Muslims. Islam and Ramadan are no longer foreign concepts to most of our neighbors and friends. Inviting our neighbors to our homes or our mosques for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, donating Islamic magazines or newspapers to our neighbors and libraries, or giving gifts of sweets on Eid are excellent examples of da’wah and building bridges in our society.

For students in high school or college, Ramadan provides an opportunity to strengthen our Muslim student organizations. Daily iftar programs and the night taraweeh prayers are some activities in which students at universities can participate in to feel a sense of unity, while far from home. Also, some of our brothers and sisters in college come from families in which Ramadan is not celebrated and fasting and prayers are not performed. We should reach out to those brothers and sisters who may be too embarrassed, too shy, or ignorant of their religious obligations during this holy month.

During Ramadan the numbers of visitors to our mosques increases significantly, particularly during the last ten days. For our community activists, this is a wonderful opportunity to bring attention to social issues that affect our society. In addition to increased foot traffic at our Islamic centers, numerous Muslim political and humanitarian organizations hold fundraisers as well as special events during the month. American Muslims not active in community organizations should volunteer to participate in activities or fundraisers organized by local or national Islamic organizations.

Ramadan is a month that provides for countless opportunities and blessings. InFocus encourages American Muslims to use Ramadan to renew our commitment to our religion and our community.