In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful,

Dear [Bill & Melinda],

Muslims worldwide are celebrating a festival that marks the end of the holy month of fasting,
Ramadan. We would like to firstly wish you a very happy Eid-ul-Fitr! On Eid, Muslims celebrate
their internal revival, believing that they have been spiritually cleansed. With all the craziness going
on around the world, we hope that sharing the significance of Ramadan with you will build
understanding and appreciation.

What is the month of Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims engage in fasting from dawn until dusk
each day during this month. We refrain from food, drink, smoking, intimate relations, and we strive to
maintain a heightened level of self-control through acts such as avoiding disagreements, anger, and
greed. Through fasting and increased acts of worship, Ramadan is a time for purification.

Why is the month of Ramadan so important?

It is said that in Ramadan, the gates of God’s mercy and forgiveness are open. We are instructed to
treat the month as a guest, one who visits for only a short time and brings many blessings. One of
these blessings is divine revelation. We believe that the four holy books – the Torah (Moses), the
Books of Psalms (David), the Gospel (Jesus), and the Qu’ran (Mohammed) – were revealed during
this blessed month. We make a special effort to connect with this sacred revelation in Ramadan,
whether that comes from daily recitation, or through reflecting on its messages.

So why do Muslims go hungry and thirsty in Ramadan...

Fasting provides a host of benefits; three of which are listed below:

(a) Noble attributes – Every human can relate to hunger and thirst. Most of us quench our thirst
and satiate our hunger on a very regular basis. Thus, being instructed to abstain from doing this is a
test of willpower, patience, and resilience. By developing these attributes, Muslims believe that
they can improve themselves, applying these noble traits in other aspects of their lives. The Qur’an
says,“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before
you that you may become righteous” (2:183).

(b) Empathy for the misfortunate – Over three billion people around the world today live in
absolute poverty. Muslims believe that experiencing hunger and thirst on a temporary basis allows
them to put themselves in the shoes of the misfortunate, who sadly experience this daily. With this
empathy, Muslims are encouraged to donate charity to reduce the plight of the poor around the
world.

(c) Community building – Whether you are rich or poor, male or female, blue or yellow: all
Muslims participate in fasting. On a daily basis, these individuals come together to break their fast
and hold prayers. This shared experience builds a culture of God-consciousness, empathy, and
community!

We hope that you have benefited from reading this letter and that it has provided insights into the
importance of the month of Ramadan for Muslims. Perhaps next year we can invite you over for
dinner during Ramadan!

Happy Eid!

[Your Name Here]