Celebrating Ramadan in Finland – Four challenges Muslims face

Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and devotion. During this month, from dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other actions that would invalidate the fast, except in cases of valid exemptions. 

In addition to fasting, Ramadan is a period for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and deepening one’s connection with Allah. It is also a time for generosity, charity, and togetherness, as families and communities gather for iftar (the breaking of the fast) and communal prayers. 

The month holds profound historical and spiritual significance, most notably as the time when the Quran’s revelation began. Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), one of its final ten nights, is believed to be more blessed than a thousand months. 

This year, Ramadan begins on the evening of ​​February 28. In Finland, it presents unique challenges for both immigrants and Finnish Muslims.  

Long fasting hours, limited community support, and the challenge of balancing religious practices with daily life make the holy month challenging to navigate. 

Despite these struggles, many find creative ways to adapt and maintain meaningful traditions. 

Fasting while working or studying 

This year, Ramadan begins in the end of February, when the time between dawn and sunset in Helsinki is about 11 hours. But when Ramadan occurs in summer, the fasting hours can stretch up to nearly 20 hours. That makes energy management a challenge, especially for those who work or study.  

Some Muslims follow a religious ruling (fatwa) that allows breaking the fast based on the sunset time in the nearest Muslim-majority country. 

To cope, many focus on eating nutritious meals and resting. “I try to have a healthy iftar and suhoor (meals just before dawn and right after sunset) and sleep during the day when possible,” says Venla Khoubaba, a Finnish Muslim.  

Sari Medjadji, another Finnish Muslim adds: “I take naps when I can, as Ramadan nights are for prayer and Qur’an recitation.” 

Many workplaces and schools show understanding. Medjadji says, “I haven’t faced difficulties at work, though sometimes my colleagues forget Ramadan and offer me food.”  

She acknowledges that night-shift workers may face more challenges. “Breaking the fast at work can be difficult.” 

Maria Khan, a Pakistani resident in Finland, finds it tiring to explain fasting repeatedly. “Trying to explain why I can’t join lunch or dinner plans can be exhausting.”  

Khan also hopes that during Ramadan, Muslims could have more flexible schedules if work conditions allow, adding that awareness sessions for non-Muslims would be a helpful first step. 

Ramzy Abd Elaziz, an Egyptian who has been living in Finland since 2016, agrees with Khan.  

“One of the main challenges during Ramadan is raising awareness among Finnish society. People need to understand basic aspects, like respecting fasting individuals and acknowledging their choice, especially when it comes to Muslim children in schools.” 

Fasting for young children in schools 

While children are not required to fast until puberty, it is customary for younger children, around seven years old, to practice symbolic fasting, like fasting half days or on weekends.  

Muslim children fasting at school face unique challenges due to a lack of awareness among educators, Abd Elaziz points out. “Instead of asking, ‘Did your parents make you fast?’ schools should show solidarity.” 

He suggests adjusting physical education classes and exams during Ramadan. “Some schools in other countries accommodate fasting students. Finland could do the same,” he says. 

On the other hand, some schools are more accommodating. Maha Sroor, an Egyptian mother of two, shares her experiences.  

“I make sure to inform my children’s school about Ramadan in advance. Thankfully, they make arrangements because there are many Muslim students. During mealtimes, they organize handcrafting and other activities for Muslim children.” 

Creating a Ramadan atmosphere 

Many Muslims in Finland miss the vibrant Ramadan atmosphere found in Muslim-majority countries. With limited communal spaces for iftar and prayer, Fatima Sani, a Nigerian resident of Oulu, highlights the need for bigger venues. 

“A larger space would help,” she says. “We need a place to break our fast together without worrying about the space.” 

In the absence of such spaces, families create their own traditions.  

“When my kids were younger, we decorated the house and learned about Ramadan together,” Medjadji shares. 

Khoubaba hopes to build similar traditions for her children. “I want them to grow up with a strong connection to Ramadan.” 

Ramzy Abd Elaziz suggests families to decorate their homes for Ramadan together similarly than on Christmas. 

“Why not decorate the streets too? It creates joy and solidarity.”  

He also emphasizes the importance of shared experiences.  

“During Ramadan, we pray together more often. It strengthens our sense of community and spirituality.” 

Children engage in Ramadan-themed activities, like drawing, coloring, and making decorations.  

“In our home, they help prepare food, like salads and traditional Ramadan drinks like khoshaf,” Abd Elaziz adds. “It makes them feel part of the experience.” 

“During Ramadan, the home feels different,” Abd Elaziz concludes. “There’s a sense of calm, more Qur’an recitations, and a spiritual atmosphere, unlike any other time of the year.” 

Finding community and spiritual support 

The sense of community is crucial during Ramadan, but many Muslims in Finland feel isolated. Weekend iftars in Oulu help bring people together.  

“We share food, recite the Qur’an, and let children experience the spirit of Ramadan,” Sani explains. 

Khan notes that the Pakistani community organizes gatherings to break the fast together. “The announcements of communal iftars organized by the mosque or close friend circles help keep us connected.” 

Some Muslims even invite non-Muslim friends to iftar, helping foster understanding. “Our non-Muslim friends even stay overnight to join us for suhoor”, Ramzy Abd Elaziz shares. 

Despite its challenges, Ramadan in Finland remains a time of faith, resilience, and togetherness.  

Through small gatherings, personal traditions, and community-driven initiatives, Muslims continue to create meaningful experiences that strengthen both their faith and bonds with others. 

Ramadan Mubarak!