The purpose and power of Ramadan

Aziz Junejo

As the crescent moon was sighted last week, Ramadan began for Muslims in Mukilteo and around the world. This year, I would like to share the purpose and power of Ramadan and highlight some special cultural traditions observed in Mukilteo and across the globe.

Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam. Muslims fast each day from dawn until sunset, learning patience and restraint; there is no food, no drink, no coffee breaks, and no midday snacks. Yet Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink there is a deeper meaning.

For more than a billion Muslims, this month is defined not by what we consume, but by what we cultivate strengthening our relationship with God, the Creator, while developing patience, gratitude, and increased faith.

Our local Snohomish County Muslims come from many countries, and Ramadan carries unique cultural traditions, foods, colors, and sounds reminiscent of their homelands.

Here in Snohomish County, Ramadan potlucks are known for bringing the community together in the evenings at the mosque. Neighbors and co-workers of other faiths are often invited to join in breaking the fast, turning curiosity into connection.

In Morocco, a town crier called a “nafar” moves through the streets before dawn, calling the faithful to rise. At sunset, families gather around bowls of harira soup and fresh, warm bread, breaking their fast together in homes filled with laughter and prayer.

Those from Egypt speak of streets glowing with ornate “fanoos” lanterns strung between buildings, casting warm light over evening gatherings. Families often linger after iftar; children play under the lanterns, and the nights feel festive yet reverent.

In Turkey, drummers known as “davulcusu” walk through neighborhoods before dawn, beating their drums to wake families for suhoor, the pre-fast meal. Dressed in traditional Ottoman-style clothing, they carry forward a centuries-old custom that blends faith with folklore.

In Syria, cannons are fired to signal sunset. The tradition began more than 200 years ago when a new cannon was tested at sunset. The sound reverberated throughout the city, and locals assumed it signaled the end of the fast. Syria then adopted the practice as a Ramadan tradition.

In Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim-majority population, some communities mark the approach of Ramadan with “padusan,” a symbolic cleansing ritual in pure spring water. Mosques overflow, markets brim with special foods, and entire neighborhoods seem to move in gentle rhythm with the rising and setting sun.

Another custom prevalent throughout the world is that cafés, bakeries, and sweet shops bustle after sunset as Muslims share sweets, coffee, tea, and conversation late into the night.

Because Muslims follow the lunar calendar, Ramadan shifts about 10 days earlier each year. Those who began fasting in early March last year will find themselves fasting in late February this year, a powerful reminder of global unity across changing seasons.

The fast is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and centers on devotion to God alone. During Ramadan, we connect with the Quran more frequently, examining God’s words carefully. Because it is a nonlinear book, we can open to any page and feel God speaking.

What makes Ramadan so meaningful is what hunger awakens within us. It is about connecting with our Creator God, the Compassionate, and the Merciful. Muslims are encouraged to cleanse their hearts, recognize their shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and do all of it for the pleasure of God.

The month encourages believers to detach from worldly distractions and focus on their relationship with God. This period of introspection helps individuals recognize their shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and strive for spiritual growth and closeness with the Creator.

By the end of the month, many describe feeling lighter, not physically, but spiritually, experiencing a deeper connection with the Almighty. Ramadan becomes a reminder that discipline can coexist with joy, that sacrifice can deepen gratitude, and that communities can be strengthened through shared purpose and tradition.

After 30 days of intense worship, increased prayers, recitation of the holy book, and acts of charity, Muslims celebrate not only the completion of the fast, but also the renewal of hope, carrying it with them throughout the year until the next Ramadan.