Ramadan 2022

This past? Saturday, April 2, kicked off my favorite time of year: Ramadan. Many might question why. Why would someone enjoy abstaining from food and drink for the whole day? For me—and the approximately 1.6 billion other Muslims around the world exercising their religious duties—it’s simple.

The holy month of Ramadan (it can last from 29 to 30 days) is an opportunity for a spiritual recharge. It’s a time when Muslims fast from dawn until dusk to appreciate all that they are given while remembering those who are less fortunate.

It forces me to take a step back, slow down and really focus on reconnecting with my faith—and to truly feel gratitude to God for what I have. It also gives me a sense of discipline and reminds me to humble myself daily.?

?Another aspect that makes Ramadan so special is the community togetherness and attention to respecting family ties. We sometimes become so distracted by worldly things that Ramadan compels us to come together. We go to each other's houses, break bread, talk, pray and honor each other.?

?I love talking about Ramadan. And as the global co-lead of the Dataminr Salam ERG, this year I feel especially honored to represent the Muslim community; help Muslims observing Ramadan feel a sense of belonging in the workplace, and give non-Muslims an opportunity to be an ally and stand in solidarity with the community. The ability to do so is deeply important to me, especially considering how Islam can be perceived.?

Whether or not you’re Muslim, I urge you to support those observing Ramadan. To learn more, check out the fast facts below.

?Ramadan fast facts:

• Known as the “holy month” it is observed this year from April 2 to May 2
• Follows a lunar calendar so the dates vary, but it is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar
• Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam
• Is celebrated as the month during which the last prophet Muhammed PBUH received the initial revelations of the Quran, the religious book of Islam.
• It is during this month that the Prophet Muhammad made his revolutionary migration from Mecca to Medina.