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Interfaith Ramadan


Among the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan is a core tenant of the Muslim faith. The Muslim calendar is based off the lunar cycle, and Ramadan marks itself as the ninth and holiest month of the year. It is a time for the global Muslim community to come together in fasting and spiritual reflection. From sunrise till sunset, Muslims refrain from food and drink, devoting time to prayer and almsgiving. Fasting allows Muslims to empathize with struggles of those less fortunate; focusing instead on spiritual nourishment of the soul. It is a month of charity, compassion, and community.

Ramadan is also a time of intentional, heightened solidarity between Muslims and their neighbors across the spectrum of faith, philosophical, and ethical traditions. Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike are increasingly partnering together and utilizing Ramadan as an important touchstone for interfaith engagement through iftars, community events, and other outreach activities.

In 2017, the Parliament of the World’s Religions invited Muslims and all faiths to share stories of service, gratitude, and community. As part of our Interfaith Ramadan series, we featured a series of reflections throughout the month to highlight Muslim and non-Muslim voices that are making a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world. From community organizing in London to refugee resettlement in Beirut, Ramadan is a time for people of all faiths to work across lines of division towards solidarity and inclusion.

Through all of these reflections, we hope you will be inspired by how young people are motivated by their faith to harness the good in their communities to build bridges across diverse traditions.