Women and Ramadan: The Silent Strength Behind the Holy Month
- Zahra Khan
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Every year, my middle sister and I always ask our older sister to host an iftar for us. Last year, I became a homeowner and hosted my very first party. That experience made me realize just how much effort goes into preparing all the food and hosting guests. The exhaustion, the planning, the endless dishes—it gave me a whole new appreciation for what my older sister had been doing for years.
Because of that, I felt a mix of guilt and gratitude. I didn’t have the heart to ask her to invite us again this year. But she’s too sweet—before I could even say anything, she had already invited us 🥹.
Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual growth, but for women, it’s often so much more. It’s waking up before everyone else to prepare suhoor, fasting while managing work and family, and ending the day serving iftar before taking the first bite yourself.
Women carry Ramadan not just in their hearts, but in their hands—cooking, caring, praying, and pushing through exhaustion while ensuring that everyone else’s experience is seamless. Yet, their sacrifices often go unnoticed.
This is for the women of Ramadan—the mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters who make this month what it is.
The Strength of Women in Ramadan
While fasting is already a test of patience and endurance, women often take on additional burdens:
Mothers who wake up early to prepare suhoor while half-asleep but still manage to fast with a smile.
Working women who balance deadlines, exhaustion, and ibadah (worship) without a moment to pause.
Young girls experiencing their first Ramadan, navigating fasting while keeping up with school.
Despite it all, women embrace Ramadan with love because they understand its beauty and blessings.
The Silent Struggles Women Face
What people don’t always see is that Ramadan is different for women.
Fasting interruptions: Many women feel guilty for missing fasts due to menstruation, even though Islam grants them this mercy.
Judgment and unrealistic expectations: Some feel pressured to still fast, pray, and cook, even when they’re exempt.
Emotional and physical exhaustion: Between managing a household and keeping up with their own spirituality, many women rarely get time for themselves.
Islam values balance—women deserve rest, kindness, and understanding too.
A Reminder: Your Worship is Not Just in Prayer
For women who feel like they’re not doing enough during Ramadan—remember this:
Your cooking is ibadah. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of you are those who are best to their families.” The love and effort you put into feeding others is rewarded.
Your rest is ibadah. Islam encourages mercy—towards others and yourself. If you can’t fast, your intention still matters.
Your patience is ibadah. Every sacrifice you make, every tear you hold back, every moment you push through exhaustion—it’s all seen by Allah, and He never overlooks your efforts.
Final Thoughts: Women Are the Heart of Ramadan
Women may not always be in the spotlight during Ramadan, but they carry its essence in their strength, resilience, and unwavering faith.
So to the women who give so much, often without recognition—this Ramadan, take a moment to care for yourself too. Because you deserve it.
Until next time, Peace 💖
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