Ramadan: The Month of Fasting, Charity, and Trying Not to Be Hangry

This holy season means charity, fasting, feasts, and treats! What is a Suhoor ?

By: Johanna Elattar

It’s Ramadan, the sacred time of year when Muslims worldwide embrace the art of fasting, self-discipline, and—let’s be honest—testing the limits of human patience. It’s a month where we reflect on our spiritual growth, feel the hunger pains, and, with the strength of a superhero, try not to become hangry. If you’re unfamiliar, “hangry” is the magical combination of hungry + angry, and during Ramadan, it’s a state we all know too well. But fear not—while the hunger might be real, so is the growth, charity, and gratitude that come with it.

For me, Ramadan has always been a special time. I started fasting when I was seven years old—because I wanted to. I felt an overwhelming desire to take part in this beautiful tradition. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the spiritual depth of fasting, but I knew it was something important, something that brought our family closer together. I wasn’t forced to fast—children are never forced—but I remember wanting to feel part of the celebration and community from a young age.

Ramadan isn’t just about abstaining from food and drink. It’s the month when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This event is significant because it marks the beginning of the guidance Muslims follow in their faith. So while fasting is a physical challenge, it’s also a spiritual journey—a time to reflect on the teachings of the Quran, grow closer to God, and, of course, test your willpower by surviving the day without even a sip of water.

Ramadan isn’t unique in its message of spiritual growth. Christians also have a similar experience during Lent, where they fast or give up certain comforts to reflect on their faith and strengthen their connection with God. Both religions emphasize sacrifice, self-discipline, and compassion for those who are less fortunate, reminding us that the act of fasting isn’t just about food—it’s about building empathy, humility, and gratitude.

1. What is Suhoor? And Why Does It Involve Waking Up at 3 AM?

Let’s start with suhoor (pronounced “soo-hoor”). This is your pre-dawn meal, and it’s probably the least glamorous part of Ramadan. Imagine setting your alarm for 3 AM and then dragging yourself out of bed like a zombie, bleary-eyed and half-conscious. You stumble into the kitchen, open the fridge, and hope you have more than a stale bag of chips to sustain you for the next 14 hours.

Suhoor is important because it gives you the energy to survive the long day of fasting ahead. You want to load up on foods that’ll last, like oats, eggs, or some hearty bread. But let’s be honest—when you’re sleep-deprived, your suhoor options can sometimes look more like “whatever I can eat without burning myself at this ungodly hour.”

Sure, you could make a nutritious meal, but half of us end up with leftover pizza and a side of “Why am I doing this?” as we try to make sense of our decision to wake up in the middle of the night.

2. Charity: Giving, and, Sharing

Charity during Ramadan is one of the highlights, and it’s truly where the magic happens. The idea is to give to those in need, whether it’s through donating money, food, or your time. This is called Zakat (pronounced “za-kat”), and it’s a core pillar of the faith. The goal is to assist those who are less fortunate, and this can be done in countless ways. From donating to local charities to sharing your meal with a neighbor, every act of kindness counts.

Ramadan is a time to reflect on how lucky we are to have enough to eat and drink, while millions of people around the world don’t have that luxury. This heightened sense of awareness encourages acts of charity and compassion—whether it’s sending food to a family in need, offering your help to the less fortunate, or simply being kinder to those around you.

It’s also a value shared by many Christians. The call for charity is found throughout the Bible, from the teachings of Jesus about helping the poor to the encouragement to be generous in spirit. Both faiths remind us that it’s not just about giving material wealth, but about showing kindness and selflessness. The spirit of giving unites us and brings us closer to fulfilling a divine purpose of compassion and love for humanity.

3. Hunger: The Struggle is Real (But So is the Gratitude)

Now, let’s talk about the hunger. By 3 PM, you’ve probably had about 15 mental breakdowns while your stomach growls like an angry bear. You’ve stared at the clock so long that it feels like time is moving backwards. You’ve had about 27 moments where you’ve almost texted your best friend saying, “I’m so done with this fast.”

And yet, you push on. Why? Because Ramadan teaches us about empathy. The hunger you feel? It’s a small reminder of the struggles of those who face food insecurity every single day. The struggle is real, but so is the gratitude. When you finally break your fast, that first sip of water is nothing short of divine. You’ll probably shed a tear as you savor that first bite of food, thinking, “This was so worth the wait.”

It’s the same spirit of reflection and humility that Christians experience during Lent. Fasting isn’t only about giving up food—it’s about realizing how fortunate we are and being mindful of the people who are struggling every day. Both faiths teach us that this hardship serves as a reminder to appreciate our blessings and become more connected to the world around us.

4. Iftar: The Feast of All Feasts (You Will Overeat)

When iftar finally arrives and the sun sets, it’s like Christmas and your birthday wrapped into one—except with Middle Eastern food. You start with dates (because it’s tradition), and then the feast begins. After hours of fasting, you’re ready for this moment. But here’s the thing: You really want to avoid eating like you’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Sure, that plate of grilled veggies, pita, and hummus looks amazing, but remember: there’s still dessert. You don’t need to roll yourself to bed after iftar.

Overeating at iftar is a rite of passage for some, but trust me—you’ll regret it when you find yourself lying on the couch, clutching your stomach, wondering if you can make it through the night without a nap before your actual bedtime. It’s called “Ramadan food coma,” and it’s real.

5. Ramadan Memories: Lanterns, Lights, and Treats

Ramadan wasn’t just about fasting in my family—it was a time of celebration. One of my fondest memories is of the Egyptian tradition of the Ramadan lanterns. As a child, I would eagerly wait for the moment when I could walk around the house with my little lantern, spreading the Ramadan cheer. It wasn’t quite the same as children going from house to house like they do in Egypt, but it was still a magical feeling. I would carry my lantern around the house, basking in the soft glow of its light, feeling connected to my culture and the spirit of Ramadan.

Of course, being the child of a very nervous (European by heritage, and culturally Arab) mother, I wasn’t allowed to take my lantern outside, but I still loved every moment of it. My grandparents, may they rest in peace, were always the ones who gave me treats during Ramadan. They would shower me with sweets and little gifts, making every evening special. The house was always full of warmth and light, with the air filled with the sweet aroma of pastries and good company. My family went all out decorating the house with lights, tinsel, and anything else that made the place feel like a celebration.

6. The Reflection: Gratitude, Charity, and Why You Should Totally Hug Your Fridge

At the end of Ramadan, when Eid al-Fitr arrives, you’ll look back on the month with a sense of gratitude. You’ve survived the fasting (even if you had a few hangry moments), you’ve given to those in need, and you’ve spent time reflecting on your life and your blessings. Ramadan teaches you that, in the grand scheme of things, food is not what sustains us—gratitude, charity, and connection with others are.

So when Eid comes, you’ll probably find yourself hugging your fridge (no judgment, we’ve all been there) and thanking the universe for your ability to feast. And yes, maybe you’ll vow to never eat that much again. But then again, we all know that next Ramadan, when suhoor rolls around, you’ll be up at 3 AM, eating last night’s pizza like a champ, thinking, “I’ve got this.”

Read her reporting on the Ramadan celebration last year in Hornell:

Unity in Diversity: Hornell Family Resource Center Hosts Vibrant Ramadan Celebration