Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq al-Balkhi (RA), the uncle of Imam Tirmidhi (RA), said: ‘The month of Rajab is the month of planting (your seeds), Sha‘ban is the month of irrigating / watering (them), and Ramadan is the month of harvesting the crop’.
It’s now the sacred month of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. The beginning of the spiritual season. It is when the miraculous events of Isra’ (the Night Journey) and Mi’raj (Ascension) took place – a journey that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) took from Mecca to Jerusalem, and then ascended to the heavens.
The month of Rajab also means that Ramadan is around the corner. Thus, it reminds us to prepare for the holiest month in the entire year – spiritually, mentally and physically.
So how can we use this month to prepare for Ramadan 2025?
Start to self-reflect and purify your intentions in Rajab
Spend some time alone and reflect on how you can improve spiritually. Ask yourself questions like:
Would Allah SWT be pleased with me if I died today?
What could I do to improve spiritually?
Am I sincere in my words and actions? Am I conscious of how I treat those around me?
Am I doing my best to prepare for Ramadan? What can I do better?
Photo: Preparing well is the key to making the most of Ramadan. Rajab is a time to sow the seeds of self-reflection and purified intentions.
Seek forgiveness and make dua’a
We all make mistakes and it is always the right time to seek Allah SWT’s forgiveness. After all, He is the most forgiving and merciful. Strive for sincere repentance and ask those you may have wronged to forgive you.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “All the children of Adam constantly err, but the best of those who constantly err are those who constantly repent.”
Tirmidhi
Fast extra days in Rajab
To get yourself into a routine for Ramadan, start fasting those extra fasts or making up your missed fasts from last Ramadan.
The best way to prepare fasting for a whole month is to start fasting often, in order to gain control over your actions, stomach, and desires.
Fast Mondays and Thursdays
Abu Hurairah reported that the most the Prophet (ﷺ) would fast would be Monday and Thursday. He was asked about that and he said: “The deeds of people are presented to Allah on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim except for those who are deserting each other.” (Hasan)
Follow the Sunnah and pray extra prayers
Learn more about the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and follow him by emulating his actions.
“Say, [Oh Muhammad], If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Allah is in the aid of His servant as long as His aide is in the assistance of others.” (Muslim)
This world can only be a better place if we help each other. In return, Allah SWT rewards us in both worlds.
“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He will multiply it for him and he will have a noble reward?”
Qur’an 57:11
Start your spiritual growth for Ramadan in Rajab
Ramadan is right around the corner. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025.
Rajab is the time to plant seeds of intention, nurture them with acts of worship, and prepare our souls for the harvest of Ramadan. Each step we take this month, from fasting to prayer to giving charity, brings us closer to Allah SWT and prepares us for the spiritual marathon ahead.
By planting these seeds now, we build habits and intentions that will flourish during the holy month. May Allah SWT grant us the strength to use this time wisely, forgive our shortcomings, and bless us with the ability to enter Ramadan with hearts full of imaan and readiness.
Your Zakat Heals Our Ummah
Make the most of Rajab by preparing for Ramadan. Give the gift of happiness and hope to our brothers and sisters in need with Islamic Relief.
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and is one of the four sacred months.
It precedes the month of Sha’ban and Holy month of Ramadan. It also contains many benefits and virtues, as some of the most precious days of the Islamic calendar occur within this month.
When is Rajab 2025?
This sacred month is expected to begin on January 1, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
There is also Isra’ and Mi’raj on 27th Rajab. This is expected to occur on the January 27, 2025.
Photo: The sighting of the moon is used to determine the dates of the Islamic months of the lunar calendar.
Why is Rajab Important in Islam?
Rajab is one of the four sacred months of the year. In Surah At-Tawbah, it states:
Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve in the book of Allah, since the day He created the Heavens and the Earth. Four of them, they are sacred.
Qur’an 9:36
Likewise, the names of these four sacred months are listed in this hadith.
Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth; the year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession: Dhul-Qa‘dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Al-Muharram and Rajab of Mudar, which stands between Jumada (ath-Thani) and Sha‘ban.
Sahih al-Bukhari
These months are sacred as there are many virtues attached to them. Fighting is prohibited during these four months. In turn, all transgressions during these months weigh heavier as wrong deeds, while all sincere acts of worship become elevated in their good deeds.
Significant Events Taking Place in Rajab
The birth of Ali (RA)
On the 13th Rajab, Ali (RA), the cousin and companion of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was born.
Al Isra’ wal Miraj
The Prophet’s (SAW) night journey Al Isra’ wal Miraj is thought to have taken place on the 27th Rajab.
Battle of Tabuk
In 9AH, the Battle of Tabuk took place during Rajab. During this battle, the Prophet (ﷺ) took 30,000 men to face the Roman army. As a result, the Romans retreated. Then, afterwards, a peace agreement was made.
Salahuddin al-Ayyubi liberated Jerusalem
In Rajab of 583 AH (1187 CE), Salahuddin al-Ayyubi liberated Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader occupation.
Fasting in Rajab
The sacred months are an excellent time to do sunnah (supererogatory) acts of worship, fasting included. Voluntary (nafl) prayers, du’a and Sadaqah Jariyah, are also other virtuous acts that weigh more on the scale as good deeds due to the sacredness of this month.
Whcih days should I fast in Rajab?
There are many days on which it is Sunnah to fast. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. It is also recommended to fast on the white days (13th, 14th and 15th of the Islamic lunar month).
Make the most of this sacred month
Rajab is one of the four sacred months of the year. It is also the month when Al Isra’ wal-Mi’raj took place. This makes it a month of many opportunities for blessings.
This month is a time, when we, as Muslims, should increase worship and devotion to Allah (SWT). By working on improving our character and becoming more motivated to earn good deeds, we can earn immense rewards and better prepare for Ramadan (which is coming soon at the end of February!) in these coming months.
As Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq al-Balkhi (RA), the uncle of Imam Tirmidhi (RA), said, ‘The month of Rajab is the month of planting (your seeds), Sha‘ban is the month of irrigating/watering (them), and Ramadan is the month of harvesting the crop’.
Rajab is the time to prepare for Ramadan – spiritually, mentally and physically. Remember to make the most of this sacred time by performing as many good deeds as you can and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). May He accept and reward your efforts, ameen!
Your Zakat Heals Our Ummah
Make the most of Rajab by preparing for Ramadan. Give the gift of happiness and hope to our brothers and sisters in need with Islamic Relief.
Alhamdulillah! The blessed month of Ramadan is fast approaching! For Muslims across the globe, the holy month of Ramadan is a sacred time for worshipping Allah (SWT).
It is an opportunity for new beginnings. An opportunity for spiritual renewal and reflection, increased devotion, and celebration of the mercy and love of Allah (SWT).
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
During this sacred period, healthy adult Muslims are required to fast each day from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, sexual relations, displeasing behaviours and anger. At the same time, other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and giving charity are encouraged during the Holy Month.
Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon, as the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle.
As such, the time the month takes place each year varies. Generally, it roughly moves back 10 or 11 days from its previous date in the more commonly used Gregorian calendar.
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin around Friday, February 28, 2025, and end around Sunday, March 30, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Why is Fasting Important During Ramadan?
As revealed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (SWT) has made it obligatory for Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan.
“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful (of Allah). (Fast a) prescribed number of days…Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast.”
Quran, 2:183-185
In these verses, Allah (SWT) establishes fasting during Ramadan as an important act of worship. He also emphasises the sacredness of Ramadan as the month the Quran was revealed and gifted to humanity.
The first day of fasting is expected to start on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
More Ramadan Acts: Giving Zakat and Other Donations
Ramadan is filled with many opportunities to earn rewards through good deeds and providing charity is one of them. From fulfilling Zakat to giving more Sadaqah, paying Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr) or repaying missed fasts through Fidya (Fidyah) or Kaffarah, there are many ways to give during this month.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself also gave more charity during this blessed month than at any other time. As narrated by Ibn Abbas:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of people in charity, but he was generous to the utmost in the month of Ramadan…giving charity like the blowing wind.”
Sahih Muslim
Important Dates in Ramadan
The Night of Power – Laylatul Qadr
In Ramadan, Allah (SWT)’s great love and mercy towards us have made it so that every good deed we do in this blessed month is multiplied by many.
This is especially true in the last 10 nights of the blessed month, which are full of even greater rewards and blessings. This is because it contains the most blessed of nights: Laylatul Qadr.
In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) says this about Laylatul Qadr:
“What will make you realise what the Night of Power is like? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Angels and the Spirit descend upon it with their Lord´s permission with every command; There is peace that night until the coming of dawn.”
Qur’an (97:1-5)
As narrated by A’isha (ra), Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-fitr marks the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. The end of the Holy month is expected on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025.
This year Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Monday, March 31, 2025. However, the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon for Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic Calendar.
Your Zakat, Our Ummah
Multiply your rewards from Allah (SWT) this Ramadan. Give the gift of happiness and hope to our brothers and sisters in need with Islamic Relief.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.”
Fasting (Sawm) is an important pillar of Islam. It’s a beloved act of worship, as it shows our gratitude towards Allah (SWT) for the provisions he’s given us.
Most of us know fasting is mandatory during Ramadan. But did you know there are other times when it’s highly recommended?
There are additional days in the year when it’s encouraged to fast. An opportunity to gain extra reward for following the Sunnah, the actions and words of our Prophet (ﷺ).
There are also days when we cannot fast, as it is haram (forbidden) or makruh (extremely disliked) to do so.
Hence, it’s important to know which days we can fast to prepare for them in advance.
Days of Fasting Outside of Ramadan
There are several days in the Islamic Calendar when it’s sunnah (highly recommended) to fast. As the Hijri year follows the moon’s cycle, the dates of these days on the conventional Western calendar change every year.
Mondays and Thursdays
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would fast on Mondays and Thursdays. The reasons for why can be found in several ahadith.
“O Messenger of Allah, why do you fast on Mondays and Thursdays?” He (ﷺ) said: “On Mondays and Thursdays Allah forgives every Muslim except two who have forsaken one another.”
There are also several health benefits that come with fasting two times a week. These include, but are not limited to, reduced levels of total cholesterol and lowered risk factors for heart disease.
Six Days in Shawwal
Shawwal is the 10th Islamic month. It is the month that follows Ramadan, as the first of Shawwal is Eid al-Fitr.
The rewards for fasting six days in Shawwal alongside Ramadan are great – as if one has fasted for the entire year!
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal, it will be as if he has fasted for the entire year.”
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic Calendar. The first ten days of the month are extremely blessed, for “there are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
One of the best deeds to do is to fast. Hence, on the first 9 days (as one cannot fast on Eid Al-Adha) it is recommended for us to fast, alongside doing other good deeds, such as reading Qur’an, making dhikr, giving charity and performing nafl (voluntary) prayers.
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah is also sunnah, as the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to fast the month’s first nine days. (Sunan Abi Dawud)
He (ﷺ) especially encouraged it on the Day of Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. It is also the most blessed day of the year. This is because fasting on the day of Arafah “will expiate the sins of the previous and upcoming years.” (Sahih Muslim)
However, for those going on Hajj, it is fine for them to leave the sunnah fast of Arafah.
One of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), Ibn Umar, noted that, while performing the pilgrimage, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not fast during Arafat.
In turn, some of the closest companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) – Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman (may peace be upon them all) – also did not fast on Arafat while on Hajj. (Tirmidhi)
Hence, fasting on the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, especially on Arafah, is a highly recommended act for those not on Hajj.
Ashura (and the Day Before or After it)
Ashura occurs on the 10th of Muharram, the first Islamic month. It is a blessed day that commemorates several significant events in Islamic history.
The origins of fasting on Ashura have been documented in this hadith collected by Al-Bukhari and Muslim and reported by Ibn ‘Abbas (RA). The narration goes as follows:
The Prophet (ﷺ) observed the Jewish people fasting on this day and asked why they did so. The Jews replied that this was the day Allah (SWT) granted victory to Musa (AS) and Bani Isra’il over Fir’aun (Pharaoh). Thus, they fasted on this day out of respect.
The Prophet (ﷺ) then said, “We are closer to Musa (AS) than you,” and enjoined in fasting on that day.
There are also great blessings for fasting on Ashura. When asked about fasting on the 10th of Muharram, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “It will expiate the sins of the past year.” (Sahih Muslim)
It is also recommended to fast the day before Ashura (9th Muharram). Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) reported:
“When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had passed away.
Thus, to differentiate Muslims from other religions (who also celebrated this day), the Prophet (ﷺ) instructed us to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
If one fears they may miss Ashura because of the difference in moon sighting, then scholars also permit fasting on the 10th and 11th of Muharram.
Most of Sha’ban
As the 8th Islamic month, Sha’ban is the month before Ramadan. The Prophet fasted for the majority of this month, with accounts of it recorded in several ahadith. This includes a hadith where ‘Aisha (RA) said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would fast until we said he will never break his fast, and he would not fast until we said he would never fast. I did not see the Prophet complete an entire month of fasting except for Ramadan, and I did not see him complete more voluntary fasts than in the month of Sha’ban.”
In another hadith, ‘Aisha (RA) also said, “The most beloved month to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) for fasting was Sha’ban, then he would connect it with Ramadan.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)
Exceptions to Fasting in Sha’ban
In a hadith collected by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, ‘Aisha (RA) also reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) observed fasting during the whole month of Sha’ban except for a few days.
Abu Hurayrah (RA) similarly mentioned that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Do not anticipate Ramadan by fasting one or two days before it begins, but if a man habitually fasts, then let him fast.”
Abu Hurayrah (RA) also reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said to not fast if Sha’ban is half over. (Tirmidhi)
The exception to this would be someone who fasted regularly, such as the Prophet (ﷺ) and many of his companions. Thus, if you are someone who regularly observes the sunnah fast, then you may still observe them in the second half of Sha’ban.
It is also permissible to make up a Ramadan fast at this time, if necessary. ‘Aisha (RA), one of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ), herself would make up her fast in Sha’ban. Regarding this, she said, “I had to make up some fasts I missed during the month of Ramadan, but I was unable to do so until the month of Sha’ban as I was busy with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The White Days
The white days are the 13th, 14th and 15th of each Islamic month. They are called White Days (Ayam al Beedh) as the moon is most lit on these nights.
Qatadah Ibn Malhan al-Qaysi said that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to command them to fast the days of the White (nights). He (ﷺ) said that to fast these days “is like keeping perpetual fast.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)
In another hadith, Jarir bin ‘Abdullah recalled that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Fasting three days of each month is fasting for a lifetime, and the shining days of Al-Bid, the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.”
Generally, most days of the year should be okay for you to fast. The exceptions are the two days of Eid and the days of Tashreeq. It is also severely disliked for one to fast on Fridays, Saturdays and towards the end of Sha’ban unless it falls on a day they regularly fast.
Days of Celebration
As mentioned before, it is forbidden to fast on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These Islamic celebrations have been designated for us to enjoy and feast with loved ones.
Similarly, it is also forbidden to fast on the days of Tashreeq, three days after Eid al-Adha. This is because these are “days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” (Sahih Muslim)
However, there is an exception. In one hadith, ‘Aisha (RA) and Ibn ‘Umar (RA) reported:
“No concession was granted allowing anyone to fast on the days of al-Tashreeq, except for the (pilgrim) who could not find a sacrificial animal.”
Hence, those on Hajj who are unable to perform the sacrifice for Eid Al-Adha are permitted to fast on the days of Tashreeq.
Fridays and Saturdays
It is severely disliked to fast on Friday alone. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No one of you should fast on Friday, unless he fasts (a day) before it or after it.” (Sahih Al Bukhari)
This is because Friday (called Jumuah or Jummah in Arabic) is a dedicated day of worship. As fasting can make one easily tired, it may prevent them from making the most of Jumuah.
Similarly, it is also discouraged to fast on a Saturday. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Do not fast on Saturday except for what has been made obligatory upon you (by Allah). If one of you does not find but a grape peal or a tree’s twig, then let him chew it.”
Fasting on Saturday may also cause one to resemble the practice of the Jewish people, as they observe Saturday as a day of rest. Another reason why the Prophet (ﷺ) advised against it unless fasting was necessary.
Exceptions to Avoiding Fasting on Friday or Saturday
Obviously, one must fast on Friday and Saturday if it falls in the month of Ramadan. It is also permissible to fast on these days if it happens to fall on a day when it is sunnah to fast, such as Arafah, Ashura or one of the White Days.
You may also make up a fast from Ramadan on Friday or Saturday if this is the only time you can fast. But it is better to combine it with another day if you can.
Differences between Voluntary Fasting and Fastingin Ramadan
The rulings on what breaks a fast outside of Ramadan and during Ramadan are the same. However, there are two key differences.
When to Make the Intention
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever does not have the intention to fast before dawn, there is no fasting for him.”
According to At-Tirmidhi, the hadith specifically refers to fasting in Ramadan. The fast is invalid if the intention is not made before sunrise in Ramadan. This also extends to when one is making up a Ramadan fast or fasting for a vow.
However, for voluntary fasting, it is permissible to make an intention after morning, in the opinion of Al-Shafi’i, Ahmad, and Ishaq.
Leaving the Fast
During Ramadan, you must remain fasting from dawn to dusk. Even if you have a valid excuse to break it, you must make up the full day you missed outside of Ramadan. Or, if you are unable to fast, pay compensation (fidyah) for it.
However, for a voluntary fast, you can break the fast if you wish without sin. As it is voluntary, you don’t need to make up the fast later or pay compensation if you miss it.
There was a time when the Prophet (ﷺ) received an invitation to a feast (outside of Ramadan) but one of the companions was fasting. The Prophet (ﷺ) then requested,
“Your brother has invited you and incurred expenses on your behalf, break your fast and fast another day in its place if you wish.”
May Your Sunnah Fasting Be Accepted by Allah (SWT)
All in all, there are several specific voluntary fasts recommended for Muslims to do outside of Ramadan. These are:
Mondays and Thursdays
Six days in Shawwal (except Eid Al-Fitr)
First 9 days of Dhul Hijjah (especially the 9th, Arafah)
Ashura (10th Muharram) – if possible, combined with either the 9th or 11th Muharram
Most of Shaban
The White Days (13th, 14th and 15th of each Islamic month)
If we can fast continually during Ramadan, then we already have the mental mindset to fast some or even all these voluntary days.
In this new Hijri year, let us make the intention to perform as many of these fast as possible! May Allah (SWT) grant us the strength to observe these days and accept our fasts, ameen!
In Ramadan 2023, Islamic Relief supported families with vulnerable economic situations around the world. In Italy, Islamic Relief distributed 463 food vouchers across the country aiming to reach around 2,000 vulnerable people in the provinces of Milan, Brescia, Trieste and Rome.
Two of the recipients were the families of Habiba and Rabiaa. Both Habiba and Rabiaa struggle to support their children and dependants with their meagre incomes. They also care for family members with permanent health conditions.
Habiba’s Story
Habiba (45) lives in Monza, Italy. She struggles to provide for her three children as a single parent.
“I do the chores in some houses and structures such as gyms. This is my source of income and this is how I provide for my family needs.
“Food is not a problem. My friends and neighbours know about my situation, and they always help me with what they can. The main challenge I’ve been facing for years is about health.
“Two of my three children were born with a malformation that forced them to undergo many surgeries during their childhood.
“Because of the health problems of my children, in certain periods I had to choose between working and looking after them. That meant relying only on charities for the food and the clothes and sometimes it was very hard and frustrating.
“During these tough times I tried to take advantage of some migration laws to let my husband reach us in Italy and help me with the children, but due to my financial situation, it was not possible.
“During Ramadan people are more generous so it is easier for me to find some help”
“Living in a non-Muslim country, we don’t really feel the difference. I work as always, but I try to go home earlier to prepare iftar. The mosque here organises some events, but with my disabled son it is not always easy to join the community.
“Our diet is mainly based on pasta, rice, some vegetables and we can afford it, some meat. I don’t have much time to cook, my eldest daughter often helps me and prepares dinner for her siblings.
“You guys lighten a burden for people like me. This month I have one less worry and I can focus on my youngest child’s surgery.”
Rabiaa’s Story
Rabiaa (49) lives in Milano, Italy with her husband, brother and 4 children. She works precarious jobs, cleaning and cooking.
“We don’t have a fixed monthly income. I’m the only one who can work and provide something when I have the chance to do some cleaning or cooking. My brother just arrived from Morocco and my husband is disabled”
“(My brother) came to Italy through a clandestine route and he had to walk for a while in the cold with inappropriate clothes. Because of the cold, they had to cut his hand and some toes. He can’t work so we have to cover his needs too.
“It’s very difficult to cover all the costs and often we can’t provide the children with all the stuff they need. Alhamdulilah for food we can rely on charities supporting us and the local mosque.”
“We had a very tough time during COVID. My husband used to work and provide for our needs, but after he got the vaccine, he got very very sick” Pulls out again the mobile phone, “Sorry to show you this, but just to let you understand”, shows us photos of a man in intensive care “this is him, doctors could not understand what happened to him, we thought he would die.
“Alhamdulilah Ramadan is a blessing because there are more good people like you helping us, at least for food.”
“We are very grateful for you guys who support us. With the voucher I can buy all the items my family need and at least for one month we can relax or focus on other priorities, not only on food.”
Give Families Hope and Relief
Keep the blessings of Ramadan going. Give families in need the opportunity to enjoy nutritious food, rebuild their livelihoods and more.
Every year, Islamic Relief delivers Ramadan food packs to families in need worldwide. One of the recipients includes Fatuma Bashir (38), a widow and mother of 7, in Garissa, Kenya.
Fatuma was previously a trader of bananas and lemons. However, she became a stay-at-home mother following the death of her husband. As she had no one else to look after her children if she worked.
Struggling to Feed Her Family
“My husband was the sole breadwinner of the family but unfortunately, he recently passed on. I used to supplement the family’s income by selling lemons and bananas at the Garissa town market. (But) I was not earning enough income to support all the basic needs of the family.
“Currently, I am not able to trade at the market because I have a nine-month-old child who needs my care. I have no one to leave with the young ones. We are now dependent on well-wishers and relatives for food and water.
Image: In Kenya, four of Fatuma’s children, the youngest being nine months.
“In Garissa, we are forced to buy water from water vendors which is quite a struggle for me because I do not have enough money. Neighbours have been kind enough to share their water with us.”
“My neighbours contributed a few supplies such as beans, rice and sugar so that I could open a small kiosk when my husband died but the sales are very low.
“We eat whatever I manage to get each day. I am grateful to God because we can have one meal a day, and sometimes we are lucky to have two meals.
“Alhamdulillah, the children are healthy, but they come to me crying out of hunger when we lack meals. It saddens me that I cannot provide for them always, but we leave it to Allah.”
Daily Life in Kenya During Ramadan
“Ramadan is a Holy month of prayer. We continue to observe our religious obligations to Allah through fasting and prayer. I ask for forgiveness and seek Allah’s mercies on my family.”
“Our Ramadan diet is the same as throughout the year. We do not have special meals because we are grateful to have a meal any day of the year. We prepare whatever I get. I try to diversify our meal to include beans, rice, flat bread, and a corn meal made from maize.
“I wake up at 3am to prepare Suhoor for the family. We eat together, pray, and start our fast. We do not go back to sleep. The children go to school, and we are left looking for water for the family. I close kiosk at 3pm to prepare the iftar meal when we are blessed with food.
“During Ramadan, a lot of people pray together in the morning and evening at the Mosque. The children visit the Mosque in the evenings to listen to evening sermons by the Imam while we I listen through the Mosque’s megaphone while cooking at home. Ramadan is a special time when people are kind to those in need. Neighbours invite others to share in meals as we chat under the sun setting.”
How Islamic Relief Helps
Fatuma came to learn of Islamic Relief after a friend referred her to the organisation, following her husband’s death. She requested support and was registered on the OrphanCare programme for quarterly monetary support for one of her children, as well as the Ramadan Food programme.
A total of 31,710 people benefited from last year’s Ramadan project in Kenya. 5,285 food packs were distributed in Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Moyale, Kilifi, Nairobi, and Tana River Counties.
Each food pack included 10KG long grain rice, 10KG maize meal flour, 10KG wheat flour, 5KG sugar, 5KG dates, 5KG beans and 3L cooking oil.
Image: Fatuma and her family are one of the beneficiaries of the Ramadan programme in Kenya.
Groups who received food packs included divorcees, single mothers, orphan families, persons living with disability, vulnerable families taking care of persons living with disabilities, poor families and families affected by the drought.
“The food pack given by Islamic Relief was a welcome relief to many who were affected by the drought,” says Fatuma.
“I received a pack with assorted food items that I needed. I did not need to buy more food for at least two weeks (as) I received all the ingredients needed to make a meal.”
“The pack was wholesome because it had the food items that are normally consumed in our locality. I would only ask that you increase the quantities next time because we are struggling to make ends meet.”
Give Families Hope and Relief
Keep the blessings of Ramadan going. Give families in need the opportunity to enjoy nutritious food, rebuild their livelihoods and more.
Um Muhammed is a 35-year-old Iraqi woman. She currently lives in Al-Anbar-Faluja-Alshuhadaa and has benefited from IRW-Iraq food basket distribution for Ramadan.
As a widow, she is the sole head of her family. Um Muhammed has four children of different ages, who all live with her. They are Muhammed (10 years old), Rasool (9 years old), Ali (8 years old) and Reem (6 years old).
Image: Um Muhammed and her children from Iraq, one of the recipients of the Ramadan food program.
She said, “I was widowed overnight and had to support my four children alone, which shocked me deeply. After the death of my husband, some benefactors gave me a cow, which I raised and whose milk I sell to the teachers of the village and to some neighbours. It is my only source of income to feed my children.”
Struggling to Provide for Her Family
Regarding the difficulties she faces in providing for her family in terms of food, water, health and other basic needs, Um Muhammed said, “Everything has become very expensive, which is stressful and uncomfortable for me.
“My children’s needs increase with the start of the school season, such as school fees, clothing, and an increase in seasonal diseases. One of my biggest challenges is keeping my children in school and not missing out on the opportunity to learn because I have lost it. The vacations greatly affect my income, forcing me to sell the milk for half its value to ensure my daily subsistence.”
Regarding hard times and the effect of food shortages on her family’s life, she said, “Sometimes my children sleep without dinner after a long night of crying, so my psychological state breaks down and I don’t sleep at night.”
Daily Life in Iraq During Ramadan
Regarding the impact of the month of Ramadan on her life and what it means to her, she said, “I look forward to Ramadan because there is a spiritual atmosphere and people donate money and food, which allows me to save money to meet other basic needs.”
She also discussed her daily routine during Ramadan. She said, “During Ramadan, we gather with our family members and neighbours to read the Quran and listen to religious lectures, which has given us a better understanding of the teachings of the religion and how to relate to others, especially during fasting.”
As for their normal diet during Ramadan and throughout the year, she said, “We depend for our food on cereals and bread provided by the state rations, which are not enough for us. Sometimes I also depend on milk from my cow, so I heat the milk and give it to my children to make up for the lack of food. During Ramadan, our diet varies a bit. My children love the Makhlama dish, which consists of potatoes, onions, peppers, eggs and sometimes meat, if available. I also make pudding from my cow’s milk.”
How Islamic Relief Helps
Regarding What is the impact of IR food distribution in her community during Ramadan, she stated that many people in my village suffer from poverty, so the Ramadan food basket is a great joy because it contains a variety of foods that we often cannot provide, as well as a sufficient amount for the month of Ramadan.
Image: Um Muhammed receiving a food pack from Islamic Relief teams in Iraq during Ramadan
As for how the Ramadan food package helped her and her family, she said that the Ramadan food basket allows her not to have to buy food, and also contains a wide variety of products, allowing her to cook more food, which the children look forward to and love to eat for Fotoor.
When asked how she knows about IRW-Iraq and whether she has benefited from any other IRW-Iraq projects, she replied, “An IR Iraq employee visited us at home after a member of the village explained my living situation”. The employee asked me several questions and asked for information about my children, their ages and my livelihood. After a few days, one of the employees informed me of the distribution date.
She was asked how we could improve our food packages for Ramadan. At that, she replied, “The food basket contains the necessary and basic products, especially during the month of Ramadan, and I think it meets all our needs.”
Finally, she said, “You have brought joy to my home, which encourages me to take time to focus on worship during the month of Ramadan”. My children and I wish you much success. May Allah reward you in the best way possible.
Give Families Hope and Relief
Keep the blessings of Ramadan going. Give families in need the opportunity to enjoy nutritious food, rebuild their livelihoods and more.
Yaqub Batrs Toma (76) is the head of the household and lives with his wife in Iraq. He currently resides in Ninawa, Teleskop and benefited from the IRW-Iraq Ramadan food basket distribution.
How does he provide for himself and his family in terms of food? He said, “My wife and I live here alone, we are both old, we don’t have the ability to work and we don’t have children to support us, neighbours and charitable people help us.”
Regarding hard times and the effect of food shortages on his family’s life, he stated “We need food too much because we both have medical problems and take medication”, so we have to eat healthy food, but sometimes we have nothing to eat when we have no one to support us.”
Daily Life in Iraq During Ramadan
He found that the month of Ramadan had a significant impact on their lives. He also appreciated the warmth they received from the Muslims from their community and within Islamic Relief.
“We are Christians, but we see that it is a month of goodness and blessing with your help,” he stated.
Image: Yaqub and his wife, recipients of the food basket distribution in Iraq.
When asked about the changes and community events during Ramadan, he said, “We spend all our time with my wife at home because we have no place to go.”
He also said, “We are Christians, but we celebrate with our Muslim neighbours, who offer us a dish from their kitchen.
How Islamic Relief Helps
Regarding the impact of the IRW-Iraq food distribution in his community during Ramadan, he said, “Your support has made everyone happy, and us too, even though we are Christians.”
Regarding how the Ramadan food package helped his family, he said, “Your food package made us happy because we saw that there is no discrimination between Muslims and Christians and that you support them all equally.
When asked about how he came to know about IRW-Iraq and how he benefited from other projects he replied, “We knew you from neighbours who told us about your NGO and your great support.
He was asked how we could improve our Ramadan food packages, to which he replied
“I think you are doing humanitarian work because the name of your NGO is Islamic, but you help everyone regardless of religion and nationality, but I hope you will continue this work and not limit yourself to the month of Ramadan.”
Finally, he thanked the IRW Iraq organisation and wished them success.
In Ramadan 2023, Islamic Relief distributed food packs to the most needy communities worldwide, including those most vulnerable in Indonesia.
Around 2,580 food packs were distributed, benefiting around 10,320 individuals in need across Aceh, Cianjur and Jakarta. The content of the food pack provided covers a month’s worth of food.
The program prioritised the most vulnerable people – those affected by disasters and the impact of poverty. Among these groups included female-headed households, pregnant and lactating mothers, orphans, elderly and individuals with disability.
One of the recipients of the program includes Ibrahim (66), a Quran teacher, and his wife Khasdiana (63), who is a housewife.
Image: Ibrahim and Khasdiana from Aceh, Indonesia, one of the recipients of the food pack.
Unable to Earn a Livable Wage
Ibrahim was born and raised in Lam Asan Village, Indra Jaya District, Aceh Jaya in Indonesia. He has a physical disability that makes it hard for him to move around without mobility support, such as the crutches he uses now. To help him with these struggles, his wife regularly helps during his Quran classes as he’s teaching the children.
Image: Ibrahim from Aceh, Indonesia, one of the recipients of the food pack, with his crutches.
For food, Ibrahim solely relies on what he earns from the teaching Qur’an and charitable donations. Due to his disability, he is unable to find another job to improve his family’s financial situation.
He feels fortunate to live near flowing mountain water. Thus far, the resource continues to fulfil his family’s needs. He also is not charged any money for using it.
How Islamic Relief Helps
Islamic Relief’s Ramadan food support aims to help fulfil family needs for food during Ramadan.
Ibrahim considered the Ramadan food package extremely helpful and helped him and his family survive the month. He is very grateful for the help in making it easier for him to fulfil his needs considering the increasing costs of food due to inflation.
Give Families Hope and Relief
Keep the blessings of Ramadan going. Give families in need the opportunity to enjoy nutritious food, rebuild their livelihoods and more.
Last Ramadan, in 2023, one of the ways Islamic Relief has tried to support vulnerable communities around the world is through food distribution projects. One of the countries these food packs were delivered to was Ethiopia.
Ethiopia experiences a wide range of major socio-economic effects. Internal ethnic conflicts, drought, continued political unrest and war, as well as the steadily rising cost of living, have all taken a massive toll on the population.
To combat issues such as food insecurity that come about as a result, Islamic Relief food distribution projects aim to support those most in need. These include orphans, through their fasting guardians, elders, lactating and destitute mothers, IDPs (internally displaced persons), people in poverty and other vulnerable groups.
One of the recipients includes Momina Warrio and her family of 6, who live in Weltane IDP camp in Meiso, Oromia in Ethiopia.
Image: Momina from Meiso district, Oromia, Ethiopia, one of the recipients of the food pack.
Struggling to feed their family
“Getting enough food is quite difficult for us because we don’t have a regular and dependable source of income.
“My husband and I do not have a steady source of income to buy enough food for ourselves and our kids. My husband is a labourer, and we are very reliant on his meagre wages to cover our daily expenses.
“I occasionally gather wood in the jungle and sell it for a few pennies in town to supplement our income. As my husband and I get older, it becomes more difficult to maintain a labour force, generate income, and feed our kids on a regular basis.”
“Our children will go hungry if I and my husband become ill and are unable to work at our labour jobs.”
Life as an Internally Displaced Family in Ethiopia
“For us, experiencing the effects of food shortages is not new. We have lived with this ever since we left our home and became IDPs. We frequently suffer greatly from a lack of nourishment.
“My husband and I will be forced to stay home during the rainy season because we are unable to travel to our regular workplaces. The entire family encountered hunger at that time due to a lack of food to eat, especially our kids.
“Likewise, we experience challenges during fasting occasions like Ramadan due to an extreme absence of food for fitur (iftar) and suhur (suhoor).”
Ramadan While Internally Displaced in Ethiopia
“In the past, before we became IDPs, we used to fast Ramadan with no challenges…as we were able to gather crops and cereals using our fertile farming lands.
“We were physically and psychologically strong and economically better off to fast the whole month of Ramadan and benefit from its numerous spiritual benefits.
“We used to eat a well-balanced diet during Ramadan or out of Ramadan. For instance, we could prepare and eat meat and meat-related meals, too many biscuits and cookies, barley and oat soup, kitfo, etc. But now the experience is totally different.
“Food is extremely scarce in the Weltane IDP Centre. Due to the severe impoverishment in the neighbourhood, purchasing food is out of reach for all of us.
“The majority of Muslims who practise fasting throughout Ramadan lack sufficient food and other basics. There have been occasions when we were fasting in Ramadan with no food and only drinking water.
“This breaks our hearts as we are unable to fast throughout the holy month of Ramadan.”
How Islamic Relief Helps
In 2023, more than 6595 households and 32,975 individual rightsholders benefited from the food pack project. Both In-kind and cash voucher assistance modalities were utilised to deliver the Ramadan food support.
“This Ramadan food package is a huge benefit to my family and my IDP neighbours because it alleviates the hardships, we are experiencing due to the food crisis,” Momina says.
“We are pleased that the pack includes the food items we frequently consume. Food costs increase during Ramadan, and we are unable to buy those expensive food items. We will be able to meet our food needs during and beyond Ramadan thanks to the food pack support.
“We are grateful to Islamic Relief and its donors for their kind support of underprivileged families like ours. I thank IR and the givers for the kind assistance I received. I pray to Allah (SW) to accept the fasting and good deeds of all IR families, especially those who donated these Ramadan food packs.”
Image: Momina and family from Meiso district, Oromia, Ethiopia, one of the recipients of the food pack.
Give Families Hope and Relief
Keep the blessings of Ramadan going. Give families in need the opportunity to enjoy nutritious food, rebuild their livelihoods and more.
