Ramadan observations

By Yusra Tekbali

Ramadan observations, from my first Ramadan in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

I'm having a Green Ramadan this year. Up until this year, it's always been red, white, and blue. So naturally, I've made a few observations. Let's begin by reminding ourselves that Ramadan is a time of reflection and renewal. A time to purify one's self and reconnect with their Creator.

Ramadan is beautiful because it's challenging, and Muslims around the world test their character, faith, patience, and will in their own unique way.

In America, where I was born and raised, Ramadan is an opportunity for the Muslim community to bond over their shared faith; the sense of camaraderie and accomplishment are felt at community iftars, university lectures on spirituality and taqwa, halaqa sessions, quranic study groups, tarwaeeh prayers and of course late night fast-food runs with the sisters during Qiyam al layl gatherings at the masjid.

Ramadan in America is also about da'wa, about educating non-Muslims about our faith, sometimes through interfaith iftar dinners or media outreach.

Libyans are always curious about the Ramadan experience in America, but I thought it'd be fun to describe my Ramadan experience as a Libyan-American in Libya.

The last time I was in Libya for Ramadan, I was fasting half-days and asking my grandma to sew them together. So this is technically my first Ramadan in Tripoli. So far, the experience has been…memorable.

It would be difficult to point out everything that has made my Ramadan uniquely Libyan, so I've compiled a list of the top ten differences between Ramadan in Libya and Ramadan in America, followed by my personal favorite Ramadan moments so far.

Ramadan in Libya vs America

1.In Libya everyone knows why you're fasting and everything works around Ramadan. In America, I've had people ask me what Ramadan is, and it's easier to keep your fast to yourself.

2. In Libya it's rude to eat or drink in public during Ramadan. In America you smell and see food everywhere you go. At work your coworkers break to lunch. Sometimes they'll bring in cookies or doughnuts and mmm let us not forget coffee! In America, there is Starbucks coffee in the morning. Everywhere. Even during Ramadan.

3. In Libya work hours change to accommodate a Ramadan schedule. At The Libyan Youth Council we came into work later and left earlier. We'd sometimes meet again in the evening as we prepared for Libyan Youth Day. In America work is work. When I worked as a staff assistant in Congress, I worked 9a.m. to 6 p.m. Every day of the week. Even during Ramadan.

4. In Libya stores are open later and people stay up late. At night they go out at 11, 12, 1, 2, 3..and they EAT late. In America store hours don't change and typically neither do the hours you go out. Even in the Muslim community, it's rare to have late-night food binges on a school night or work day.

5. In Libya Ramadan is an excuse to be lazy. "Blame it on Ramadan," is an often-used and easily accepted hashtag. In America, Ramadan is a reason to be more active. It's a chance for Muslim-Americans to build relationships with each other and their neighbors. The need to explain why you are fasting makes you more reflective, and perhaps more productive.

Now that we're half-way through Ramadan. It's important to assess the progress we've made so far, and what we'd like to see done differently. In Libya, I personally would like to see…

- Less sleep and more worship. We know how it goes. The night before your up late with family, eating, watching your favorite muselsil and you don't get to bed until 8 or 9 p.m. Before you know it the athan for maghrib prayer wakes you up. It's fine if we do this once or twice, but sleeping away the most blessed month of the year, is well..a nightmare.

- Less people turning their phone off during the day, all day and more accessibility. It's one thing to turn your phone off while taking a nap or breaking fast, but leaving it off all day isn't smart. Emergencies happen, and Life beckons. Expect people to get a hold of you. Even during Ramadan.

- Less Stress and more SMILES!

Smile oosalu 3al nabee, allahuma sale wasalema'lee.The Prophet Muhammed, Peace Be Upon Him said, "The first third of Ramadan is mercy, the second third is Forgiveness and the last third is Releasment from Hellfire. "

Ramadan is one of my favorite times of the year because it's a month of reflection, self-control and love. I always find it encouraging, and I'm thankful I have the opportunity to experience it in Libya.

Better wrap this up because it's almost time for iftar: So in a nutshell, In America Ramadan reminds me why I'm Muslim and gives me a sense of individuality that is ultimately empowering. In Libya, Ramadan is comforting because everyone is celebrating it with me, and I get a sense of community and support which helps reaffirm my faith in God, but also in this great country. May God shower his blessings upon it.

About The Author

YusraTekbali, 25, is freelance journalist and blogger from Tucson, Arizona. She was a participant in Trip to My Homeland 3 and worked for the Libyan Youth Council as one of the organizers of Libya's National Youth Day. She is currently in Tripoli reporting on Libyan women with Chicago Public Radio Reporter Natalie Yvonne Moore. She contributed this article to The Tripoli Post.

Tripoli Post – 1/9/2025