Ramadan is a special time for our Muslim community. Although all 30 days are essential, the last ten days are considered the most important. This is because, within one of the previous ten days, it is believed that one night of worship is worth 1000 months of worship. Thus, Muslims are motivated to try their best to perfect worship, so they do not miss that one night. The night that is considered to be worth 1000 months of worship is called Laylat al-Qadr.
In addition, there may be times during months outside of Ramadan when families are busy due to work or studies and, therefore, unable to enjoy dinner with one another. However, during Ramadan, after a long day of fasting, families can get together to break their fast with nourishing food and enjoy their time together as a family.
Ramadan brings families and communities from different backgrounds together. Mosques can offer iftar, which is when Muslims break their fast. This is an excellent opportunity for people to get to know each other. After the fast has been broken, there is a congregational prayer called Taraweeh, where communities from all sorts of different ethnic backgrounds get together to worship God.
What Ramadan helps with in summary:
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Strengthens the relationship with God.
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Strengthens the bond within families.
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Strengthens the bond within communities.
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Promotes giving to charity.
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Improves health.
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Makes one more grateful for what they have, i.e., food, water, family, health.