Ramadan: A Month of Reflection and Growth

🤗 Aya - Compassion

Ramadan reminds me of compassion — not just in feeling, but in action. Every shared meal, every prayer for others, and every hand extended to those in need reflect the deep empathy this month cultivates. Fasting isn’t just about abstaining; it is about understanding. We briefly feel the struggles of the less fortunate and respond with kindness.

Compassion has always been a guiding force for me. It shapes how we connect with the world. It’s the bridge between privilege and purpose, reminding us that true strength lies in lifting others. One woman who embodies this spirit is Fatima Al-Fihri, the visionary behind the world’s first university. Instead of hoarding her wealth, she invested in education, creating a legacy that empowered generations. Her story demonstrates that compassion isn’t passive; it is bold, transformative, and progressive. In Ramadan and beyond, it is a call to build, give, and uplift.

🪢 Faten - Connection

Ramadan reminds me of connection — both with family and on a spiritual level. In our fast-paced lives, it’s one of the few times we truly slow down. We sit together for iftar and reconnect. The simple act of sharing a meal after a day of fasting feels sacred, not only because of the food, but because of the togetherness it brings.

The month also deepens our spiritual connection. Through fasting, prayer, and reflection, we become more mindful of our blessings and life’s lessons. It’s a chance to seek and allow forgiveness in our hearts. We can start fresh and create boundaries, disconnecting from the mundane and making space for what truly matters.

One childhood memory that stays with me is preparing my father’s jellab with extra pine nuts. The incredible smell of our cheese sambusa wafting from the kitchen fills my heart with warmth. Now that we’re each scattered in our own places, these moments feel even more nostalgic. They remind us that connection isn’t just about being present; it’s about being fully there.

Embracing the Moment

⏳ Hadeel - Presence

Ramadan is a beautiful reminder of many things — spirituality, generosity, community, and discipline. But above all, it is a lesson in presence. In a world that constantly pulls us toward the next task, Ramadan invites us to slow down. Meals become more intentional, conversations more meaningful, and even the simple act of drinking water after a long fast transforms into an experience of gratitude.

Presence is a value I’m starting to cherish because it transforms the way we see and experience life. My sister shared a TikTok video the other day, and this phrase struck me: "Whenever you’re waiting for something to happen, your aura is weakened." In many ways, Ramadan reminds us to stop chasing the future and start finding joy in simple moments. Whether it’s through the stillness of suhoor, the focus in prayer, or the patience of fasting, being present allows us to connect deeply with our surroundings.

🫶 Marie - Giving Back

Ramadan highlights the power of giving back, not just through charity but through time, kindness, and support. Throughout the month, people open their homes for iftar, share meals with neighbors, and extend generosity in countless ways. These actions embody the spirit of giving.

To me, giving back creates a ripple effect of goodness. Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference. Ramadan serves as a powerful reminder to be more intentional in supporting those in need. We should seek meaningful ways—big or small—to make a difference. It’s important to remember that giving doesn’t have to be grand; it can be as simple as offering a meal, a smile, or a helping hand.

In Ramadan, we see that generosity is not about how much you give, but how deeply you care. This deeply aligns with my personal belief: that giving back creates a cycle of abundance. I view generosity as my contribution to the universe, trusting that kindness and goodwill are never wasted.

✨ Marilyn - Spirituality

I have always admired how my Muslim friends speak about Ramadan—not as an obligation, but as an opportunity. They view it as a reset, a chance to step back from daily distractions, and focus on what truly matters. As someone who struggles with spirituality, I am in awe of the clarity and balance they find during this month.

Recently, I coached a leader who reflected on areas she needed to develop. Instead of feeling discouraged, she said, "I’m so glad Ramadan is coming. It will give me the opportunity to truly reflect on this." Her response struck me. She sees this month not just as a spiritual duty, but as a gift—a time to slow down, reassess, and grow.

The word spirituality comes from the Latin spiritus, which means both "spirit" and "breathing." In many ways, Ramadan mirrors this idea: a moment to inhale deeply, center oneself, and reconnect with what truly gives life meaning. Whether through fasting, prayer, or personal reflection, this month reminds us that spirituality is not just about belief; it is about creating space to grow, realign, and breathe with intention.

Community and Togetherness

🏘️ Tala - Community

One of my favorite aspects of Ramadan is how it cultivates community spirit—not just in what we share, but in how we show up for others. This month serves as a reminder to look beyond our immediate circles. It invites us to care for those whose work often goes unnoticed but keeps our daily lives running.

For many delivery riders and drivers, work doesn’t pause for iftar. They spend long hours on the road, ensuring we have the nourishment and essentials we rely on. Setting up a Rider Care Cart is a simple, tangible way to give back, creating moments of compassion for those who need it. The gratitude expressed by Careem, talabat, Deliveroo, and instashop riders makes it even more meaningful.

We want to scale our impact—download our step-by-step toolkit to set up your Care Cart. It’s an excellent initiative for teams, families, and workplaces to collaborate on and engage in the spirit of giving throughout Ramadan.

🏃‍♀️ Zeinab - Endurance

Ramadan reminds me of endurance, not just in theory, but in how we live it each day. With every sunset meal, every prayer, and every gesture of giving, Ramadan strengthens our core. Fasting isn’t about going without; it’s about purposefully pushing through.

Endurance has always driven me. In sports, I wasn’t the fastest, but I was the one who kept going until the end, never giving up. This mindset shapes how I approach challenges and overcome them.

One inspiring figure who embodies endurance is Malala Yousafzai. She didn’t just survive adversity; she transformed it into a movement. Faced with violence and oppression, Malala refused to be silenced. She used her voice to fight for millions of girls denied an education. Her endurance isn’t only about survival; it’s about the relentless pursuit of change. She proves that true strength isn’t merely about withstanding hardship, but about rising from it and lifting others along the way.