A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Participate in Ramadan

Last week, we talked about how Ramadan is a season built around universal values: gratitude, compassion, self-control, and reflection. And now Ramadan has officially gone viral. 

Scrolling through social media, you will see people of every background saying, “Wait… can I try this?” Teenagers waking up for pre-dawn meals. Families experimenting together. People documenting their first sunrise-to-sunset fast. 

And then there are the viral videos of the sleepy cats. The deeply betrayed 4 a.m. cats. Wandering into the kitchen, squinting, wondering why the humans are eating breakfast in the middle of the night. Ramadan may be an uplifting and transformational time for humans, but for household pets, it is wildly confusing. 

Sleepy cats aside, the curiosity people are showing is sincere. People are asking: How do I participate in Ramadan respectfully? What are the basics? And what might I actually gain from trying this? 

Below is a simple guide that will take you through step by step how to take part in Ramadan.  

What Ramadan Actually Is 

Ramadan is a month when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. During this time, those fasting do not consume anything, not food, not drinks, not even water. The day begins with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor and ends at sunset with iftar, the evening meal that often feels like a celebration. 

Globally, nearly 1.9 billion people observe Ramadan, making it one of the largest collective practices in the world. Depending on where you live, the fast can last 13 hours or longer. 

Apps like Muslim Pro, Ramadan Legacy, and IslamicFinder make it easy to follow accurate sunrise and sunset times in your city. Your phone tells you when to stop eating and when you can start again, making fasting a little bit easier.  

Why Are People Trying It? 

For some, it is curiosity; for others, solidarity; for many, it is personal growth. Research into Ramadan-style fasting has linked it to improved insulin sensitivity, physical detox, better blood sugar regulation, and potential mental health benefits like reduced stress and improved emotional clarity. Many people describe a kind of calm that settles in once the body adjusts. 

There is also something powerful about voluntarily experiencing hunger. You build discipline. It makes you more aware of your habits. And it deepens empathy for people who do not choose hunger. 

Of course, this is not about pushing your body to extremes. If you have health conditions, speak to a healthcare practitioner before participating.  

If You Want to Try Fasting, Keep It Simple 

1. Wake up a little before sunrise and eat something balanced. Protein, complex carbs, and water or a liquid with some electrolytes are your friends. You do not need a feast worthy of royalty. Oatmeal works. Eggs work. Leftover rice absolutely works.  

   
   

2. Use a timing app so you know exactly when to start and break your fast. It removes guesswork and helps you follow the rhythm properly.  

   
   

3. Pay attention to your body. The first few hours might feel normal. Midday you may question your life choices. By late afternoon you might have strong emotional reactions to crackers. Don’t worry, it's normal.  

4. Use the time intentionally. Journal. Reflect. Go for a gentle walk. Reach out to someone. Fasting shifts more than eating. It shifts awareness. 

The Community Side of Ramadan 

Ramadan is not meant to be lonely. In many cities, mosques and community centers host open iftars. Neighbors bring food to each other. Friends gather. Even online, people share the experience together. 

Breaking a fast at sunset has a unique energy. There is gratitude in that first sip of water that is hard to describe until you feel it. Not to mention that food has never tasted better! 

Giving the Ramadan Way 

Charity is central to Ramadan. Giving increases significantly during this month. In the United States, the majority of Muslims donate during Ramadan, contributing millions of dollars to hunger relief, poverty projects, clean water access, and long-term development work around the world. 

Charity during Ramadan is not just about giving; it is about how you give. Below are a few tips on how to give the Ramadan way. 

Give charity quietly, without turning someone’s hardship into a public moment.  

Give based on need, not preference.  

Small, regular support often changes more than a one-time donation.  

Make sure your giving is effective and used properly. 

Organizations like Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) USA often see a surge in support during Ramadan, allowing food distributions, water projects, and long-term programs to reach families who truly need it. 

Even if you do not fast, you can participate through generosity. 

What Happens at the End of Ramadan (You Won’t Want to Miss This)  

Ramadan ends at the first sighting of the crescent moon at the end of the thirty days. The next day, there is a big celebration called Eid!  

It is a heartfelt occasion where loved ones gather to exchange blessings and celebrate the completion of their fasts. While local traditions vary, the universal greeting 'Eid Mubarak' (Blessed Eid) resonates across the globe. 

Delicious food is shared, and gifts are exchanged. It is a common tradition to wear new clothes on this day and to look your very best. The day is a great time to make memories with family and your community, full of vibrant flavors, soulful gratitude, and the collective joy of millions belonging to one global family. 

The Benefits of Ramadan   

The benefits of practicing Ramadan are extensive. In short, many people who try Ramadan practices, even briefly, describe increased empathy, connections to others, and a calmer, happier state. They notice greater discipline and realize how much of the day revolves around habits. They experience more intentional time with more space to reflect on what’s important in life and develop a deeper cultural understanding with shared practices that build unexpected bridges. 

Most importantly, you gain perspective. A new outlook, a fresh reframe on life.  

Ramadan may have gone viral, but at its heart, it is still what it has always been. A month that invites us to slow down, reset, and embrace a beautiful, simple way of life. 

And if you have a cat, maybe just explain the 4 a.m. kitchen lights ahead of time.