The Essence of Ramadan: An Ambassador’s Insight

In this exclusive interview, we sat down with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the Czech Republic to explore the essence of Ramadan, its significance in Islam, and how it was celebrated both in Saudi Arabia and abroad.

As the crescent moon heralded the arrival of Ramadan, Muslims around the world embarked on a month-long journey of spiritual reflection, communal bonding, and acts of devotion. For many, Ramadan was not just a time of fasting but a profound experience that shaped their connection to faith, family, and community.

From the vibrant family gatherings and the spiritual ambiance of Taraweeh prayers in Saudi Arabia to the unique challenges and adaptations faced by Muslims in non-Muslim majority countries like the Czech Republic, the Ambassador offered a heartfelt perspective on this sacred month.

He shared personal reflections on the importance of Ramadan, the traditions that defined it, and the efforts made by the Saudi Embassy to foster a sense of unity and understanding among diverse communities.

Through this conversation, we gained a deeper appreciation for the values of patience, empathy, and generosity that Ramadan embodied, as well as the universal messages of peace and solidarity it conveyed.

Saudi ambassador Abdullah Muteb Alrasheed

DIPLOMATIC HERALD – What is Ramadan and how is it traditionally celebrated in Saudi Arabia?

Abdullah Muteb Alrasheed – Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed, and it is a month of goodness, mercy, and blessings. In Saudi Arabia, this holy month was celebrated by connecting with family, relatives, and friends, congratulating them on its arrival, and exchanging Ramadan gifts that helped with fasting and spiritual devotion. Family gatherings were one of the most important traditions during Ramadan, where the entire family gathered at the home of the eldest family member to share the Iftar meal together. The Ramadan atmosphere in the Kingdom was also characterized by performing Taraweeh prayers in mosques, volunteering to provide Iftar meals for those fasting, and reviving the nights of Ramadan with remembrance and worship.

DH – What were some of the key events and celebrations during the month of Ramadan?

AMA – One of the most significant events during Ramadan was family gatherings, especially during the Iftar meal, where parents came together with their children and grandchildren in an atmosphere filled with warmth, love, and spirituality. This scene reflected a sense of closeness and unity among family members, providing everyone with a feeling of security and peace. These gatherings were enriched with conversations about cherished memories, reinforcing family values and strengthening connections between generations. Amidst this, an air of spirituality prevailed, as prayers were offered and the Quran was recited, adding a profound spiritual dimension to the holy month.

DH – How did Ramadan impact your daily life during the celebrations?

AMA – There wasn’t a significant change in our daily routine during Ramadan, as our faith encourages fasting from an early age. Parents usually introduced their children to fasting gradually until they could fully observe it correctly. Over time, our bodies adapted to fasting, making it easier and more in sync with our daily lives. For adults, the work schedule during Ramadan was adjusted, with shorter working hours compared to regular days. This provided us with more time to recite the Quran, perform prayers, and engage in remembrance and supplication, further enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of this blessed month.

DH – Why is Ramadan so important to Muslims and the religion of Islam?

AMA – As I mentioned earlier, it is the month in which the Quran was revealed, and it holds a special place in Islam. Ramadan is a great opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their connection with God through fasting, prayer, recitation of the Quran, and various acts of worship. It teaches patience, self-discipline, and empathy for those in need, reinforcing values of compassion and social solidarity.

Additionally, Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, repentance, and spiritual purification, as the doors of mercy and forgiveness are opened, encouraging Muslims to make the most of its blessings. One of the greatest virtues of this month is that it is an opportunity for deliverance from the Hellfire. It is believed that every night of Ramadan, God grants freedom from Hellfire to a number of His servants, which motivates Muslims to increase their supplications and seek His mercy and forgiveness.

DH – How did you personally celebrate Ramadan, and how did it differ from when you are in your home country?

AMA – There was a significant difference. In the Czech Republic, we did not hear the call to prayer (Adhan) from mosque minarets, and we missed the spiritual atmosphere that makes Ramadan so special. In my home country, the Ramadan spirit is present everywhere, from the festive decorations in the streets to the sound of Quran recitations and Takbeer, which bring peace to the heart.

Family gatherings were also more common there, as we came together with loved ones to break our fast and participate in communal prayers and Taraweeh at the mosques. However, while being abroad, we tried to recreate the Ramadan spirit at home, made the most of available Islamic gatherings, and focused more on individual spiritual practices such as prayer, remembrance, and Quran recitation.

DH – What were some of the challenges that you faced during the Ramadan celebrations while in a majority non-Muslim country such as the Czech Republic?

AMA – Although the Czech Republic has a majority non-Muslim population, it is open to different cultures and religions, making it possible to practice religious rituals. However, there was a deep sense of missing the true Ramadan atmosphere we grew up with. The spiritual essence of hearing the call to prayer echoing everywhere was absent, the streets were not decorated with Ramadan lights, and the warmth of family gatherings that make the month so special was missing.

One of the biggest challenges was fasting in an environment where most people did not understand its significance. Life continued as usual, with no adjustments to work or study schedules. Sometimes, it could be difficult to explain why we were not eating or drinking all day, making the experience feel quite different from the supportive and immersive environment of home.

Despite these challenges, we found ways to create our own Ramadan atmosphere—whether through small gatherings with friends, dedicating more time to worship at home, or seeking out mosques and Islamic centers that helped bring back a part of what was missing. In the end, Ramadan remained a deeply spiritual journey, teaching us patience, reflection, and gratitude for what we have.

DH – Did the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Prague organize any events for people who celebrated Ramadan?

AMA – Absolutely, without a doubt, the Saudi Arabian Embassy, in collaboration with several other Muslim embassies, organized a large Ramadan Iftar gathering. Muslims from different nationalities came together in an atmosphere filled with religious rituals, unity, love, and solidarity. This event aimed to strengthen the sense of community among Muslims abroad and provide an opportunity to experience the collective Ramadan spirit that we often missed when away from home.

DH – Were there any events organized by the Saudi embassy to offer more understanding of Ramadan to the general population in the Czech Republic?

AMA – During the Ramadan Iftar events, the invitation was open to all, regardless of religion, and everyone was welcome. Through these events, a deeper and broader understanding of Ramadan was provided. However, we always reminded each other of the importance of kindness and respect for everyone, regardless of race or religion, as this is a fundamental teaching of our Islamic faith.

Through daily interactions and good conduct, we aimed to present a positive image of Ramadan and Islam as a whole, helping others understand its deeper meanings, such as patience, tolerance, and social solidarity. Even when there were no official events, open dialogue about our Ramadan traditions allowed us to spread awareness and foster mutual respect.

DH – If you had three words to summarize the Ramadan celebration in the Czech Republic, what would they be?

AMA – Different, peaceful, spiritual.

DH – What would you like the non-Muslim population of the Czech Republic to know about Ramadan?

AMA – I would like the non-Muslim population of the Czech Republic to know that Ramadan is not just about refraining from food and drink; it is a spiritual month aimed at purifying the soul and fostering patience, discipline, and piety. It is a time to connect with God, reflect on the blessings we have, and empathize with those in need, promoting a spirit of generosity and social solidarity.

Ramadan also brings families and communities together, reinforcing values of tolerance and inner peace. Despite the challenges of fasting, it offers a deep sense of fulfillment and spiritual strength, making it an experience that is not just about the body, but also about the soul.