As part of our Interfaith Connections series, Mohammed Martarwala, Accounts Payable Associate, shares his Ramadan journey, reflecting on the physical demands of fasting and how it deepens his spiritual fulfillment, resilience, and sense of community. Discover how he finds comfort in the shared experiences of self-restraint, struggle, and reward across different faiths.

As Ramadan rolls around each year, it brings a rhythm to my life that feels both sacred and grounding. It’s a time of devotion, discipline, and—let’s be honest—a lot of "Not even water?" questions. But Ramadan is so much more than giving up food and drink; it’s a spiritual cleanse, a reset for both my body and soul. It’s when my faith feels strongest, my family feels closer, and my sense of community deepens.

In the lead-up to Ramadan, there’s a lot of mental and physical preparation. It’s not just about dodging the chaos of last-minute grocery runs for dates and samosas (which, by the way, are absolutely essential!). It’s about adjusting my mindset. Ramadan is a marathon—both spiritual and physical—and it takes preparation. The first challenge? My sleep schedule. Waking up at 4am for Sehri, the pre-dawn meal, is never easy. At that hour, I’m barely awake, but there’s something peaceful about the stillness before the world stirs. I force myself to eat something nutritious, knowing it has to sustain me for the next 14+ hours. Then, I leave home by 5:30am to travel to work, already feeling the long day ahead.

Fasting while working isn’t easy, especially when the day stretches over 13 hours without food or water. The exhaustion creeps in, but I push through, knowing that at the end of the day, there’s something to look forward to—Iftar, the moment we break our fast. That first sip of water and bite of a date? It’s pure bliss. We gather as a family, share stories, and appreciate the simple joy of a meal together. It’s a daily reminder of gratitude and togetherness.

After Iftar, there’s still more to the night. I perform Wudu (spiritual washing) and head to the mosque for Taraweeh prayers, finishing around 10:30pm. By then, I’m completely drained, but I know in a few short hours, I’ll be waking up again for Sehri and repeating the cycle. The travel, the early mornings, the late nights, it's physically demanding, and the lack of food and water takes its toll. It’s exhausting, no doubt, but it’s all in the name of religious duty. The sleep deprivation and fatigue are real, but it’s a small price to pay for the spiritual fulfilment that Ramadan brings.

The Challenges and Rewards of Fasting

Let’s be real—fasting is tough. As the hours pass and hunger sets in, I sometimes find myself questioning why I put myself through it. But then, I remember: this is about more than just abstaining from food and water. It’s about self-discipline, patience, and a deeper spiritual connection. Every fast reminds me how often we take life’s simplest blessings for granted. It also builds empathy for those who go without, not just for a day, but every day.

One of my favourite aspects of Ramadan is how it brings people together. Each evening, when the call to prayer signals the end of the fast, families and friends gather around the table, sharing food and stories. It’s a tradition that feels both grounding and joyful. Beyond that, Ramadan encourages generosity—whether it’s donating to charity, preparing meals for those in need, or simply sharing food with neighbours. There’s a heightened sense of kindness and community, and it’s something I cherish deeply.

Finding Support at Work

Balancing Ramadan with work can be a challenge, but having a supportive team makes all the difference. My colleagues have been incredibly understanding, offering flexibility when needed and checking in on how I’m managing. One of my colleagues, Marie, who observes Lent and fasts once a week, has been a huge source of encouragement. Seeing how different faiths share similar experiences of sacrifice and reflection has been eye-opening. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we can find common ground through mutual respect and shared values.

I’m grateful to work in an environment where my faith is acknowledged and respected. Simple gestures—like being given space to pray or colleagues making an effort to understand what Ramadan means to me—go a long way. It makes the long days feel more manageable and reinforces the importance of workplace inclusivity.

More Than Just Fasting

Beyond the hunger and fatigue, Ramadan is a time for deep reflection. It’s about becoming more mindful of my actions, strengthening my faith, and striving to be a better, more compassionate person. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but Ramadan forces me to slow down and be present.

It’s also a reminder of the privilege I have—access to food, clean water, a supportive community—things that many around the world don’t. Fasting teaches gratitude, patience, and humility, values that extend far beyond Ramadan itself.

A Shared Experience Across Faiths

One of the most beautiful aspects of this Ramadan has been the interfaith connections I’ve experienced. Seeing Marie's commitment to fasting during Lent reminds me that, despite different religious practices, we all experience moments of self-restraint, sacrifice, and reflection. It’s comforting to know that, across faiths, we share common struggles and rewards.

To everyone observing Ramadan, I wish you a peaceful and fulfilling month ahead. And to my colleagues—thank you for your kindness, patience, and for never making me feel excluded during this time (and no, you really don’t need to apologise for eating in front of me!). Ramadan is about more than just fasting—it’s about growth, faith, and community.

Here’s to faith, family, and the moments that make life richer.