03/11/2024

Why Ramadan Is a Time of Activism for Many Muslims

This activism can emerge in many ways

As the holiest month of the year for Muslims, Ramadan—which begins on the evening of March 10 in 2024—is a time of spirituality, self-discipline and compassion. For many who observe, that focus on compassion also translates into an increased focus on social justice and activism.

"If Ramadan isn't a month of activism, I don't know what is," said Hassan Selim, the imam of the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids in Iowa, an extension of the first established mosque in America. Activism can emerge in many ways. Imams like Selim raise awareness for countries and people in need during community gatherings. There are often food drives and clothing donations. Others promote global causes online, or participate in protests. Many donate. During Ramadan, according to one Hadith—a text of the words of Prophet Muhammad—good deeds are multiplied, and the quality of the reward in the afterlife is higher for anything done during the month. "Any deed of spiritual significance then becomes magnified in terms of its reward," Selim added.

Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh is founder and editor-in-chief of Muslim, the largest news outlet covering stories that affect the global Muslim community. "The Muslim community mobilizes for causes [during the holy month] because it’s a time when people want to be the most generous and give their time, effort, labor, money and support," Al-Khatahtbeh said, noting that some people even wait for Ramadan to make donations. 

Please select this link to read the complete article from TIME.