This is the sixth consecutive year I write an article in the Holy Month of Ramadan for the Arab Times! This holy month comes every year to remind us of valuable meanings and teachings we sometimes get too busy with our daily lives to pay attention to.

Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. For 29-30 days, Muslims will be fasting, no food, no water – from sunrise to sunset, yet they go to work, school and practice their daily life functions as usual. For those who would like to know, Ramadan moves back by 11 days each year and its conclusion, Eid, is announced on sighting of the moon, which varies from region to region.

Fasting during Ramadan is not just abstaining from food, it’s also reemphasizing the necessity of doing good deeds such as charity, kindness and compassion.

This year, Ramadan falls in a festive time of the year, where it’s the beginning of summer. Schools will soon be off, and time usually flies by quickly during Ramadan, and Eid will be just around the corner.

Whenever I travel, I enjoy experiencing the local cultures, and traditions. Experiencing how other communities live, helps us in one way or another, to understand each other better and enriches our souls to become more tolerant of one another. Ramadan, teaches us to be more observant towards our actions, words and how we make others feel. If you think deeply about it, you will realize that it’s all connected.

I hope all of you readers have found something of benefit in my article. And finally, always remember to take care of yourself and each other and let’s always remember to respect one another. I would like to wish everyone a Ramadan Kareem and a Happy Eid in advance, until next year’s article.

By Tarek Aleryan,

TV Announcer and Producer