22 Mar 2025
As we enter the last days of Ramadan, Anisha Kashim contemplates the spiritual significance of this holy month and what it means for the large Muslim community in St Albans.
As a Muslim, this month holds deep personal meaning for me, so I wanted to share my reflections on my Ramadan journey.
Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a month of great religious importance for Muslims. It is the month we believe the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, meaning the dates vary yearly. For example, this year, fasting began on March 1; in 2016, it started on June 7.
This month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from eating or drinking. Many also dedicate more time to prayer, including attending Taraweeh at their local mosque. Taraweeh is a special prayer performed during Ramadan, held in the evening after the Isha prayer.
My non-Muslim friends often view Ramadan as the month when ‘I go hungry,’ but Ramadan means so much more than that. During this time, we focus on self-discipline, express gratitude for the roof over our heads, and emphasise charity, giving to those in need. It’s a time of reflection, where we strive to do good deeds and become better individuals.
Ramadan also fosters a sense of unity among Muslims worldwide and brings our local community together. It’s when friends and family gather for Iftar, a meal to break the fast and come together in the evening for Taraweeh prayers.
#The first five days of Ramadan are the hardest for me, but once I settle into a routine, the rest of the month seems to fly by. My usual routine during Ramadan begins at 3am when I wake up for Suhoor, a meal shared with my family before sunrise. After eating, I go back to sleep before heading to work. I return home to help my parents prepare food for Iftar in the evening, breaking my fast at sunset, around 6 p.m. After some downtime, I head to Taraweeh prayers, and later, I spend time with my cousins or friends.
During Taraweeh, Hatfield Road comes to life, filled with Muslims from all over St Albans heading to pray. The atmosphere is truly special, with three facilities on that road offering Taraweeh prayers. It’s wonderful to see so many people out of their homes, socialising and embracing the spirit of Ramadan.
But it’s not just the mosques that are bustling; local businesses also thrive. Room For Dessert and Tavah are overflowing with customers as Ramadan brings a surge in visitors. After Taraweeh, finding a table at Room For Dessert is nearly impossible; it’s absolutely packed, creating a lively, warm atmosphere.
The community doesn’t just gather in mosques; various events, such as community Iftars, also mark Ramadan in St Albans. Last Saturday, I attended the annual St Albans Al Furqan Iftar event on the stunning grounds of Brocket Hall Estate. The evening featured a delicious three-course meal hosted by Dr Asif Munaf (The Apprentice).
The event included a charity auction showcasing beautiful paintings, a mesmerising Quran recitation, and heartwarming, inspiring stories from reverts. Attending was an absolute pleasure. While Ramadan is nearing its end, plenty of exciting events are ahead, such as the annual St Albans Big Iftar, hosted by the Adda Club today (March 22_.
If you ask a Muslim what Ramadan means to them, each person will have a different response.
Ramadan is a time of year when I feel the most grateful, not just because I have access to clean water or the luxury of not worrying about where my next meal will come from, but also because I am rich.
I am rich in the abundance of friends and family. I am fortunate that when I sit down to break my fast, it’s with my wonderful family, sharing a meal my parents have worked so hard to prepare for us.
And after I break my fast, when I head to my local mosque for Taraweeh prayers, I am thankful again. I get to see the same familiar faces I’ve known for years and pray with my best friends by my side.
Although I’ve been celebrating Ramadan for as long as I can remember, I didn’t come to this realisation until last year. My family was fortunate enough to travel to Saudi Arabia to complete their pilgrimage and spend Ramadan there. However, due to my studies, I had to spend Ramadan alone in St Albans. But I quickly realized that I wasn’t truly alone. This incredible community I’m a part of wouldn’t let me spend a single day of Ramadan by myself. Every day brought something new: my amazing aunt had me stay with her, I was invited to break my fast with friends’ families, and even people I had just met were giving me food for Iftar. It was an eye-opening realisation that Ramadan isn’t just a month when I’m a bit cranky from missing my morning coffee but a month of community and togetherness. It’s a reminder that we are not strangers and that we take care of one another.
I hope that the love and care this community showed me, I can give back. That’s why, during Ramadan, I donate as much as I can. I remember that all these things I am grateful for, like a roof over my head, a loving family, and a supportive community, are not guaranteed for everyone. Some people may not be as privileged as I am.
Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and a reminder to share our blessings with others. It’s a time to be conscious of people’s struggles, both near and far, and do what we can to help.
I spend time volunteering and donating to different charities and organisations that provide food, shelter, education, and medical care to those in need. Whether supporting local initiatives in St Albans or contributing to global causes, I feel a little can go a long way.
It’s not just about giving money; it’s about offering time, kindness, and resources to those who are less fortunate. Even small acts of charity can make a big difference in someone’s life, and that’s a powerful reminder that we all have a responsibility to care for one another.
Ramadan in St Albans is more than just a month of fasting; it’s a time of reflection and connecting with the community. It emphasises inclusivity and understanding different cultures.
As the month nears its end and we prepare to celebrate Eid next week, I am reminded of the kindness, generosity, and unity that define this special time. I hope the sense of community that Ramadan fosters continues to thrive, inspiring us all to support and uplift one another throughout the year.
