Before dawn breaks over the world during Ramadan, Muslim families quietly eat their first meal of the day, prepare for a day of fasting or gather for morning prayers. By sunset, homes fill with the aroma of spices, the clatter of dishes and the chatter of loved ones breaking their fasts. Though each family observes Ramadan in its own way, the month transforms daily routines, meals and times of reflection for all.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by more than 90% of Muslims worldwide by fasting from dawn to sunset, praying nightly and doing acts of charity. Celebrations can vary widely, depending on sect, culture and family background. Shia and Sunni Muslims follow distinct traditions, while families with multifaith members navigate rituals in new ways. These differences create distinct practices and shape how people experience spirituality and community.

For sophomore Ruhi Jiwani, a Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim, the month begins with mindfulness and reflection. Jiwani sees Ramadan as a time to focus on gratitude and appreciate the small joys of life.

“Ramadan gives me this reminder to pause and appreciate my life,” Jiwani said. “When I break my fast, I’ll eat a date and just think about what I’m thankful for and what I hope for tomorrow.”

In Jiwani’s family, food is a bridge between her culture and community. Traditional dishes carry meaning beyond the taste and connect her to her heritage.

“On the first day, my craving is bihari kebab with a mango lassi and then some nihari,” Jiwani said. “That’s my perfect meal.”

Beyond the meals, Jiwani treasures the sense of belonging. She said sharing food, prayers and conversation with family and friends makes Ramadan deeply fulfilling.

“Laylat al-Qadr is a really fun day,” Jiwani said. “I love the sense of togetherness, and I think that’s one of my favorite parts of Ramadan.”

For sophomore Sarah Mzoughi, whose family practices Sunni Islam, Ramadan encourages reflection, structure and cultural traditions from her Moroccan heritage. Similar to Jiwani, early mornings and shared meals shape her Ramadan.

“We wake up an hour before school to have breakfast together,” Mzoughi said. “It’s a nice, quiet moment before the day begins.”

Each branch of Islam follows certain practices and spiritual emphases. For Jiwani, being Shia Ismaili influences how gratitude and reflection are integrated into daily rituals, offering a balance of faith and cultural identity. 

“Compared to my Sunni Muslim friends, there’s a bigger focus on gratitude rather than specifics,” Jiwani said. “In general, Ramadan is more flexible for me than it is for them and also has that different focus.”

Food also plays a central role in Mzoughi’s family rituals. Harira soup, couscous and traditional sweets make family meals nourishing and meaningful, she said.

“My favorite is the Moroccan cookies my grandma and aunt make every year,” Mzoughi said. “It’s something that is made by these people who love you, despite being an ocean away — just really makes it a treat that I really look forward to.”

Dimple Lakhani, a Hindu woman married to a Muslim man, experiences Ramadan by supporting her husband’s routines. She helps her husband observe the fast saying she enjoys connecting with the community.

“It is nothing like how Hindus fast,” Lakhani said. “It is quite interesting to see the will of someone who works so hard all day without a drop of water or a single bite of food.

Her involvement focuses on cooking and preparing meals for the meal after sundown, Iftar. She experiences Ramadan through her husband’s eyes and transforms her household’s daily practices.

“The routine changes quite a bit because it’s dinner time for everyone, kids have homework and bedtime,” Lakhani said. “It gets pretty hectic for all of us.”

Lakhani appreciates bonding with her husband’s community and learning more about his culture, traditions and religious practices. 

“It’s a privilege for me to be part of this with my husband and to celebrate together,” Lakhani said. “It gives me a chance to connect with him, our family and the faith in a meaningful way.”

There are differences in faith, culture and daily practice — yet, Jiwani, Mzoughi and Lakhani all highlighted gratitude, reflection and community as central to Ramadan.

“I find myself giving more gratitude for my life,” Jiwani said. “When I break my fast with a date, I just say, ‘Thank you for this day and this life.’ It helps me figure out what’s truly important.”

Mzoughi echoed the same sentiment and said she believes that Ramadan is all about being with the people you love, bonding with family and connecting over this shared experience.

“Iftar is my favorite part of the day,” Mzoughi said. “You sit down with people you care about, and it reminds you that not everyone has what you have. It really makes you feel grateful.”

Across the United States and beyond, households celebrate their faith, culture and family during this month. Jiwani describes Ramadan as a chance for everyone, Muslim or not, to reflect on their past year and step outside their comfort zones. Jiwani said that it is a unifying holiday across the whole world.

“I know there are millions and maybe billions of other Muslims doing this with me, and that definitely makes my place in the community feel stronger,” Jiwani said. “Ramadan isn’t just about not eating food and not drinking water; it’s really about gaining awareness of what your life really is about and what really matters most.”