Ramadan Reflections: Lessons for a Servant Leader and Advocate
by Afeefa Syeed, CWFL Senior Fellow
I am an aspiring potter and love to be covered in clay. I’m excited about the process of pottery, sometimes more than the products my playing with mud might yield. More than anything else, being a potter gives me head and heart space to reflect on humility, patience, submission, and being passionately hopeful that whatever comes out of the process is just what I needed to learn, experience, and live to be who I am. Sometimes there’s a pretty pot I can pour tea out of.
In many ways, this is how Ramadan is for me as an activist. Essentially, fasting is denying yourself something, but it's more about how that denial unfolds. The process makes it about more than just not eating or drinking.
Here are some principles from Ramadan that are critical in how they reinforce my work as an advocate:
Start from the possible — Ramadan reminds us that rejuvenation comes from where we are. We realize we can make it through a day - and eventually a month! — of fasting when it seems otherwise impossible. We acknowledge our existing strengths and capabilities to build personal spiritual revival. This translates into work as activists to meet others where they are, recognize their capacity, and their aspirations. We reject the negative because we know the possible is stronger. We are reminded that no one is given a burden she cannot carry. So perseverance in our work comes from leaning on this through difficult times.
Be intentional — Every morning before sunrise, a fasting person voices an intention to fast. It’s not enough to wake up and not eat or drink. It has to be premeditated and concerted. Being intentional makes for more effective advocacy but also provides a compass for us as we get pulled into whirlwinds of challenges and demands. It also allows for constant reflection on why things are being done, what is to be gained, and how success and failure are affecting our own perceptions and actions.
Build empathy — One key thing we learn about fasting as children is to understand that there are people who have very little, who are hungry not by choice. As activists, this is a basis for our justice work. Stand in another’s footsteps without judgment. Ramadan also reminds us of Mercy as a primary Divine attribute and what we as humans must practice with one another. If we are empathetic, we act mercifully and compassionately and practice forgiveness for shortcomings, our own and others’.
Appreciate gradualism — As we move through the month, fasting becomes easier, more natural. Our bodies adjust to new rhythms and impositions, and by the end of the month, it’s not as difficult. We’re reminded that there is value in incremental change; we have to recognize that work over time makes lasting things happen. This connects to accountability - during Ramadan, we remember that our actions are for a higher purpose and accountable to that judgment.
Practice hospitality — Ramadan is about feeding others; eating is as important as not eating! But we’re reminded that the obligation of hosting is extended to how activists treat those they interact with. An openness in attitude, a willingness to give of time and resources without expecting reciprocity, is how a faith-inspired advocate creates both relationships as well as goodwill toward outsiders who may not agree/understand. The rituals and rites of Ramadan are meant to bring people together, provide reasons to reflect as a community, and break bread with others who seek peaceful coexistence.
Find your compass — During Ramadan, spirituality is intense. Fasting, praying, and reading scripture are daily components. And most are done in fellowship with others. But it’s also a time to renew personal connections to these without relying on others. What motivates and inspires me from my faith or other spiritual traditions that I can lean on in my work? Prayers and verses we bump into during spiritual infusion can be tools and supports in our daily work. Creating more time and options for self-care and reflection throughout the year is critical for being more effective as an activist.
So as I fast this Ramadan and serve tea from my teapot at sunset, my prayers for peace in the world will be steadfast, as will those for peace within my own self. And like many of my compatriots, I’ll use the month to recharge for more work to be done.
RAMADAN BASICS
Ramadan, one of 5 basic obligations for believers in Islam, is the 9th month of the lunar calendar and lasts between 29 and 30 days.
Adult believers are prescribed to fast from all food and drink from dawn to sunset except pregnant and nursing mothers, travelers, menstruating women, the elderly, and those who are ill.
Fasting persons also refrain from smoking, sexual intimacy, and are strongly discouraged from engaging in harmful behaviors such as excessive disagreements, acting in anger, or expressing ingratitude.
Muslims typically participate in increased prayers, charity, recitation of the Quran, and fellowship with others. Spiritual rewards are said to be increased during this month, and it is the month during which Prophet Muhammad first received revelation.
As there are over 1 billion Muslims worldwide, celebrations and observances of Ramadan are diverse and unique to each cultural context.
In 2026, the first day of Ramadan was February 18. Ramadan ended on March 20 with the holiday Eid Al-Fitr.
Written by Afeefa Syeed, CWFL Senior Fellow
