One thing fasting will do is make one very contemplative, which led me to reflect on Ramadan and its meaning.

Interestingly, pre‑Islamic Arabs already used a lunar calendar with the same month names we know today. Ramadan was one of those months, the ninth month. The month was known as a time of heat or dryness, linked to the Arabic root word ramad, meaning scorching heat.

Some forms of fasting or abstinence were practised by certain pre‑Islamic communities. So the month existed, but not the Islamic fast as we know it.

Ramadan, as a religious obligation, began with Islam.

Ramadan became sacred in a new way after the Koran began to be revealed in 610 CE. Fasting in Ramadan was formally established as a pillar of Islam in the early Muslim community in the seventh century.

The Koran states that “the month of Ramadan is the month in which the Koran was revealed”.

This transformed Ramadan from an ordinary lunar month into a central act of worship. Historical sources note that fasting existed in various forms among earlier Arab groups and other religious communities.

Some pre‑Islamic Arabs practised partial abstinence.

Other cultures in the region also had fasting traditions.

Islam reshaped fasting into a structured, dawn‑to‑sunset discipline with spiritual, ethical, and communal dimensions.

So Islam did not invent the idea of fasting, but it defined and elevated Ramadan fasting into a universal, codified practice.

Ramadan took on a drastic change with Islam. Ramadan became:

The month of Koranic revelation

• A pillar of Islam

• A global, unified practice observed by Muslims everywhere

• A spiritual training ground for self‑discipline, empathy, and worship

This is why Ramadan today is deeply meaningful in a way that goes far beyond its pre‑Islamic origins.

We are now entering the last ten days of Ramadan — time really flies, it seemed like only yesterday we were anticipating its arrival.

Prepare for the Final Stretch

“The best is yet to come.”

‘Aishah (ra) reported: “The Prophet would tighten his waist belt, stay up at night, and wake his family during the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

The last ten nights are approaching — the most powerful nights of the entire year. This is the time to prepare your heart and schedule so you can give your best when they arrive.

Prepare from now to:

• Reduce distractions and unnecessary commitments

• Increase Qur’an, dhikr, and du‘a

• Plan your nights for worship

• Encourage your family to prepare as well

• Ask Allah sincerely to allow you to witness Laylatul Qadr

The greatest opportunity of the year is just ahead.

May Allah allow us to reach the last ten nights and grant us the blessings of Laylatul Qadr.

Believers devote themselves to supplication, repeatedly asking Allah for mercy, forgiveness, and protection — especially praying to be saved from the hellfire.

Many also observe Itikaf, a spiritual retreat in the mosque that allows them to step away from daily life and focus entirely on worship, humility, and the hope of leaving Ramadan purified and among those granted salvation.

The last ten days are widely regarded as the most spiritually intense and rewarding period of the month. Within these nights lies the most sacred night of the year — Laylat al-Qadr, often translated as “The Night of Power” or “The Night of Decree”.

The Koran describes the immense significance of this night in Surah Al-Qadr, stating that it is “better than a thousand months”.

In practical terms, acts of worship performed on this single night carry the spiritual reward of more than 83 years of devotion — what an investment!

Two verses in the Koran confirm that the beginning of revelation occurred during Ramadan. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), Allah says: “Ramadan is the month in which the Koran was revealed, as guidance for humanity and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”

Similarly, Surah Al-Qadr begins: “Indeed, we sent it down on the Night of Decree.”

Since Laylat al-Qadr occurs during the last ten nights, these verses show that the revelation of the Koran began specifically on this sacred night.

The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not known. Muslims are encouraged to seek it during the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days — the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights.

In Bermuda, as in Muslim communities around the world, these nights are often marked by deeper reflection, extended prayers, and acts of generosity towards those in need.

The duaa of forgiveness is urged to be recited during this time. It has been narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fervently repeated the following duaa:

“O Allah, You are most forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”

As Ramadan draws to a close, anticipation builds for Eid al-Fitr — the Festival of Breaking the Fast. The day begins with congregational prayer known as the Eid prayer, followed by visits with family and friends, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and giving Zakat al-Fitr to support those less fortunate.

Eid reminds Muslims to express gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the fast and the spiritual growth gained during the month. Yet the final ten days teach us not to slow down spiritually but to continue seeking mercy and forgiveness.

We pray in sincerity that Allah will accept our fasting.

Many Muslims feel a quiet sadness knowing that this honoured guest will soon depart. Yet there is also hope and prayer that, insha’Allah (God willing), we will be blessed to welcome Ramadan again next year.

Here's a very short Ramadan Quiz for you to test your knowledge (answers shared next week):

What is the month before Ramadan?

What is sighted to signal the start of Ramadan?

On which nights of the last ten days is the Night of Power most commonly sought?

Let’s see how many you get right!

As Ramadan draws to its close, may the lessons of patience, compassion, and gratitude remain with us long after the fasting ends.

Bermuda, have a blessed week.

Ramadan Mubarak. Eid Mubarak.

As-salaamu alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam