ConversationsRamadan: Fasting and Spiritual Renewal for Intrapersonal Peace
Ramadan is one of the holiest and most transformative months for Muslims. This practice begins with a fasting period and ends with the sighting of the new moon. But beyond the religious prescription, the holy month provides a period for deep reflection and personal growth for those who truly embrace its message.
How Ramadan Starts
The start of Ramadan is primarily determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon. Here’s something that might surprise you: the crescent moon was not used as an Islamic symbol in the early years of the religion. Islam didn’t have symbols and generally avoided aniconism to prevent anything that might look like idolatry. Mosques and Islamic art instead focused on calligraphy and geometric designs. So how did we get here? This is because the Ottoman Empire started placing crescents on everything that the symbol had completed its journey from an ancient moon-god emblem to a universal symbol of Islamic identity.
On February 17, 2026, the official moon-sighting groups in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region announced that Ramadan would begin in the Philippines on February 19. Since the exact date depends on when the moon is actually seen, it can vary by place and may differ by a day between countries. Surprisingly, the Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Lent all began within a few days of each other this February, in such a rare occurrence!
The Holy Month of Ramadan
When the first revelations of the Qur’an were received by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Ramadan became a period for Muslims who fast from dawn to dusk. But it is more than just not eating during the day; it’s a whole month of discipline and developing taqwa (awareness of God) through observing the nightly Taraweeh prayers and reading the Qur’an.
One of the most beautiful things about Ramadan is that it is open for people of other faiths to join during the breaking of the fast. As a month dedicated to generosity and compassion, it is a meaningful time to share blessings with the hungry and less fortunate.
Fasting Across Beliefs
There are different ways of fasting among religions. When you look at Judaism, Jews fast for about 25 hours from sunset to sunset during the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Believers focus on praying and repentance. Even in the most mundane of things, like wearing leather shoes, they must show humility and avoid luxury.
And just like the Jews, Christians fast in a way that humbles themselves by giving up material or physical things to renew their faith. It is really a time to reflect and grow closer to God. On the other hand, Evangelical Christianity sees fasting as a private time to connect with the divine force of God (Holy Spirit).
There is something so profound about how fasting isn’t just about skipping meals. Whether it’s for religious reasons or personal growth, it quietly challenges the loud and busy world’s obsession with always wanting more. It shows us that we don’t live by bread alone, but by our character, kindness, and connection to the divine.
Ramadan is a gift of infinite mercy. Its meaningful impact should not end with the disappearance of the moon crescent but should shine through every person’s character and soul all year round. As we celebrate the month of Ramadan, may we set aside our distractions and nurture a sense of discipline and good purpose that lasts long. Let us remind ourselves to be more empathetic, humble, and mindful of those who need help and care.
