Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims worldwide. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. It is a time of spiritual reflection, increased worship, and generosity toward others. 

Preparing

Muslims prepare for Ramadan in many ways. Some begin by increasing their worship and charitable activities in the months leading up to Ramadan. Others focus on preparing their bodies by adjusting their sleep schedules and eating habits. Regardless of how they prepare, Muslims view Ramadan as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Allah, God, and seek forgiveness for their sins. 

Fasting

The month of Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon, which signals the start of the first day of fasting. The first meal of the day is called Suhoor. Suhoor is eaten before dawn and the fast is broken with the evening meal, called Iftar. 

Muslims typically break their fast with dates and water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad, who would break his fast in this manner. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims focus on increased worship, reading and reciting the Quran, and seeking forgiveness from Allah. 

Fasting during Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink. Muslims are also expected to avoid engaging in negative behaviors such as lying, gossiping, and engaging in romantic relations during daylight hours. 

Fasting is seen as an opportunity to purify the soul and strengthen one’s relationship with Allah. Muslims use Ramadan to connect with their families and communities. Many Muslims gather for meals with family and friends, breaking fast together, and sharing their blessings. Communities often organize Iftar meals, bringing people together to share in the spirit of the holy month. 

Praying during Ramadan

Many mosques offer nightly Taraweeh prayers, which are special prayers performed only during Ramadan. These prayers can last for several hours. Muslims believe that they earn rewards for their worship during this. Charity is essential during this time. Muslims are encouraged to be more generous during this month, giving to the poor, feeding the hungry, and helping those in need. Many mosques and Islamic organizations set up donation drives and other charitable activities during Ramadan to inspire Muslims to give to those less fortunate. 

In conclusion, Ramadan is a significant month for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of spiritual reflection, worship, and increased generosity toward others. Muslims prepare for it by adjusting their habits. During the month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. They focus on worship, reciting the Quran, seeking forgiveness, and giving to those in need. Ramadan is a time of renewal and strengthening of the relationship between Muslims and Allah, and it is a time of great blessings and rewards for those who participate.

I grew up in a Roman Catholic-Greek Orthodox interfaith home. I am of the Greek Orthodox faith. However, I still celebrate Roman Catholic holidays because of my father. Celebrating Easter was always hectic but nevertheless provided wholesome family memories I’ll cherish forever.

Roman Catholic Easter

The Roman Catholic Church marks Easter as the first Sunday that follows the first full moon of the Spring Equinox. Because of this, the date of the holiday changes each year. Easter Sunday marks the ending of Lent and is the last day of the holy week. It celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. This is why “Christ is Risen” is said on this day. Roman Catholics often fast prior to Easter to perform an act of penance for their sins. Easter celebrations often have delicious foods such as ham and other meats because of this.

Greek Orthodox Easter

Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter for the same reasons as Roman Catholics. The only difference between the two Easters is the date. Greek Orthodox Easter often falls on a different date than Roman Catholic Easter. This is because the Greek Orthodox one is calculated according to the Julian calendar. The Roman Catholic Easter is calculated according to the Gregorian calendar. Greeks say “Χριστός ανέστη,” which is “Christ is Risen.” They also partake in Lent and fasting as well. 

Blending both

I grew up spending time with predominantly my father’s family who are all Roman Catholic. This means that Greek traditions were never really present in my life for this holiday. Easter egg hunts and roasted ham will be in my mind forever. When Greek Orthodox Easter rolls around my mother, sister, and I go to our church for a service. This is really the only aspect of my religion and culture that I embrace at this time. Most Greeks eat roasted lamb for Easter; we do not. I wish I could indulge in my religion and culture more. However, I’m never surrounded by anyone that celebrates the same things as me. I always felt a bit uncomfortable celebrating Roman Catholic holidays because my family would never fail to point out that I, in fact, was not Roman Catholic.

My Catholic grandmother would bring my sister and me to her Catholic church for Ash Wednesday. All of the churchgoers would stare at us because they didn’t recognize us as part of the parish. This division was always confusing and uncomfortable, especially as a young child.

One tradition that I do with my mom involves dying Easter eggs. Greeks dye eggs red to symbolize Jesus Christ’s blood. Then we play a game that involves hitting two eggs together. The egg that cracks is the loser. These red eggs are often baked into a bread. This bread is tsoureki. The bread is sweet and delicious and makes really good French toast. A coin is also baked into the bread. Whoever finds the coin in the bread is said to have good luck for the following year.

Other inter-faith homes

Soula Morales is a Greek Orthodox housewife. She is married to a person of Roman Catholic faith. However, her husband converted to Greek Orthodox because their son is baptized Greek Orthodox. He wanted all three of them to be a part of the same religion. Soula says that her husband likes to celebrate his wife’s religion, though as it’s a new experience for him.

The week leading up to Easter, Soula and her family fast until Saturday. Then they go to church on Saturday night and receive the holy light, and then they can eat.  When they get home her family eats a soup with meat that she had already prepared and cracks the red eggs. Soula’s family also eats tsoureki during Easter. On Sunday, they roast lamb and have a big feast which is what most Greeks do. When asked how she feels about her Greek heritage, Soula says she is, “Proud to be Greek and follow the religion of her people. It’s very important believing in the manifestation of God and what he has created for us and our people. Orthodox is very special and makes me very proud since it is my heritage. It’s what we believe in.”