Ramadan: A Journey of Growth and Renewal

By Manzar Quasim 

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Ramadan”? 

The first thing that usually comes to mind while hearing “Ramadan” is no food, no water, and long days.

But Ramadan's true purpose goes beyond abstaining from food and drink - it is a sacred month of worship, reflection, discipline, gratitude, and compassion.

It is a month of values that resonate universally, regardless of faith.

Ramadan is a month that helps us grow as people. It strengthens our character, and reconnects us with the Creator and with what really matters.

Preparing Intentionally

Even before the Ramadan begins, the believer’s heart turns toward anticipation. It is encouraged to make this beautiful du’a:

“Allāhumma bārik lanā fī Rajab wa Sha‘bān wa balligh-nā Ramaḍān.”
(O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and let us reach Ramadan.)

This simple prayer is an intention.

It asks not only for the arrival of Ramadan, but also for the readiness of our hearts to welcome it.

Fasting teaches us self-control in a world of constant distraction, endless scrolling, instant gratification, and impulsive habits.

By willingly abstaining from food and drink, we train our minds and bodies to respond to a higher purpose: “I am in control, not my desires.”

This spiritual discipline extends beyond Ramadan and it helps us focus deeply on our studies or work; it gives us patience to manage anger or stress; and it strengthens our will to build healthy habits.

Ramadan is also about giving back to the community.

It purifies the body through fasting and the soul through sincere worship, charity, and kindness.

Empathy Through Experience

When we feel hunger and thirst, we begin to understand what millions of people experience every day.

This shared human experience softens the heart, breaking down barriers between “us” and “them.”

That is why charity (zakat and sadaqah) is so deeply tied to Ramadan.

Every small act - sharing a meal, helping a neighbour, checking on a lonely friend - becomes an act of worship.

Character Building

Fasting isn’t avoiding food; it’s about avoiding harmful behaviour.

Ramadan is a 30-day intensive in character development.

We strive to speak with kindness, even when tired or tested, and avoid gossip, backbiting, negativity and practice forgiveness and patience—especially with those closest to us. We strive to cultivate humility and gratitude in every interaction.

It’s a conscious effort to become a better version of ourselves—both online and offline.

Honouring those Who Came Before

As we prepare for this Ramadan, many of us carry a quiet grief, the absence of loved ones who shared this month with us in years past.

Their empty spaces at the Iftar table remind us of life’s fleeting nature.

Let their memory inspire us to worship with more sincerity, give with more generosity, and love with more presence.

In honouring them, we keep their light alive.

Time for Physical and Spiritual Renewal

Ramadan is a divinely designed opportunity to reset body and soul.

Physically, fasting allows the digestive system to rest, detoxifies the body, and can improve mental clarity.

Spiritually, it purifies the heart from arrogance, envy, and heedlessness.

We should enter this month with clear intentions, to deepen our connection with Allah through consistent prayer and reciting the Qur'an; to mend broken relationships and seek forgiveness; to care for our bodies with wholesome food at suhoor and iftar avoiding overindulgence; to protect our fast from not just food, but from idle speech, wasted time, and harmful thoughts.

Time for Gentle Dawah 

In multicultural workplaces and communities, Ramadan often invites curiosity.

When colleagues or classmates ask, “Why are you fasting?”, “Not even water?”, and “Isn’t it hard?”, these are opportunities for respectful sharing.

Let your actions, your calm, your generosity, speak before your words.

Let them know “Fasting helps me feel closer to the Creator and those who are less fortunate.”; “It’s a spiritual reset and a way to be more God Conscious.

If you feel comfortable, invite a friend, neighbour, or colleague to join you for iftar.

Breaking bread together is one of the oldest forms of human connection.

It says: You are welcome at my table. Also, share food or gifts with neighbours, regardless of their faith.

Eid: The Sweetness of Attainment

At the end of Ramadan comes Eid al-Fitr - a day of gratitude, celebration, and communal joy.

It is a reminder that discipline leads to spiritual freedom and that growth should be celebrated with those we love and those in need.

Eid is a reward, a reflection of the closeness we have earned with our Creator.

Final Reflection

Ramadan is about striving, improving, and returning to our faith, to our values, and to our humanity.

For the youth, it is a powerful reminder that faith is not separate from life - it guides how we think, act, and treat others.

When we understand Ramadan’s true purpose, we don’t just fast, we grow. We heal. We renew ourselves.

May ALLAH Alimighty allow us to reach Ramadan, accept our fasts, and make us among those who are forgiven and drawn nearer to Him. Ameen.

Author Bio

Manzar Quasim is a Mechanical Engineer, P.Eng., M.Eng., CEC, PMP® and community contributor based in Mississauga, Ontario. A proud father and newcomer to Canada, he writes about faith, education, and the immigrant experience.