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Celebrating Ramadan as a South Asian Muslim Woman in a Non-Muslim Country
Growing up as a New Zealand-born South Asian Muslim woman, Ramadan has always been a unique experience. Unlike in South Asian countries, where the entire environment shifts to accommodate fasting, living in a non-Muslim majority country means navigating Ramadan in a society where daily life continues as usual—restaurants remain open, work and school schedules don’t adjust, and fasting is often misunderstood. My family is from Fiji, but since I was born and raised in New Zealand, I don’t know exactly how Ramadan and Eid were traditionally celebrated there. Instead, my experiences have been shaped by the New Zealand Muslim community and the traditions we’ve built within our home. 1. Growing…
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The Evolution of Ramadan in South Asian Families: From Our Mothers to Us
Photo credits go to: Theberryblog Ramadan has always been a deeply cherished and spiritual time in South Asian households, but the way it is observed has transformed over the generations. From the selfless sacrifices of our mothers to the modern balance that younger generations strive for, Ramadan has evolved in ways that reflect changing family dynamics, gender roles, and lifestyle shifts. Let’s take a journey through how Ramadan has changed from our mothers’ time to ours and what we can learn from both generations. 1. Iftar & Suhoor: From Elaborate Feasts to Simplicity & Convenience Then: A Labor of Love For our mothers and grandmothers, Ramadan often meant hours in…
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How Ramadan Differs in South Asia vs. the West: A Personal Reflection
Ramadan is a month of spiritual growth, self-discipline, and community. But depending on where you are in the world, the experience can look very different. Having experienced Ramadan in New Zealand, I’ve often reflected on the contrast between how it’s observed here versus in South Asia, where the cultural and religious presence of Ramadan is much stronger. Ramadan in New Zealand: A Changing Landscape Back when I was younger, Ramadan wasn’t as recognized in New Zealand. It was simply seen as a period where Muslims refrained from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, and there wasn’t much understanding beyond that. There were no major iftar events, little awareness in…
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Traditional South Asian Ramadan Practices & Their Spiritual Significance
Ramadan in South Asian households is more than just a month of fasting—it’s a time of deep-rooted traditions, family gatherings, and spiritual growth. From the early morning call for sehri to the heartfelt iftar gatherings, these practices carry both cultural beauty and spiritual meaning. Here’s a look at some cherished South Asian Ramadan traditions and their deeper significance in fostering faith, gratitude, and community. 1. Sehri with Family & Special Dishes The Tradition: In South Asian households, sehri (suhoor) is a communal affair. Families wake up before dawn to prepare a wholesome meal that often includes parathas, eggs, kebabs, yogurt, and chai. Mothers and grandmothers usually take the lead in…
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