Ramadan grows with us too: Reflections on the holy month

Ramadan has always been a very special month for me, but as I have grown older and become a husband, a father, and a professional, Ramadan feels even more meaningful. Teuku Candra Kirana, Head of Operations at Islamic Relief Indonesia, shares his thoughts on the holy month – that it is not only about fasting from food and drink, but also about family, faith, reflection, and togetherness.

Because we serve communities in need and respond to many humanitarian challenges, my work can be very busy.

At home, my wife supports our family in a different but equally important way. She runs a small grocery shop (warung) from our house. It may be small, but it is always full of life, conversations, and neighbors coming and going.

We are blessed with 2 children. My son is 18 years old, and he is now in his third semester at university. My daughter is 15 years old, currently in the first year of senior high school. Seeing them grow during the years, especially during Ramadan, is something I am truly grateful for.

Suhoor and iftar: Our daily family moments

One thing that makes Ramadan very special for our family is that we always try to have suhoor and iftar together. Compared to other months, Ramadan gives us a strong reason to slow down and come together every single day.

Every morning, we sit together for suhoor. It is a simple moment, but very meaningful. There are short conversations, and sometimes silence, but it is a peaceful silence.

In the evening, no matter how busy we are, we make a strong effort to break our fast together. After hearing the adhan (call to prayer) for Maghrib, we sit at the same table, start with takjil (light, often sweet snacks) and water, and then enjoy the meal my wife has prepared.

After iftar, we pray Maghrib together. Sometimes I become the imam, and sometimes my son takes that role. I do this intentionally. For me, it is a small but important way to train my son to be a leader, starting from the closest environment, our own family. Leading prayer builds confidence, responsibility, and spiritual strength for him.

Sharing stories at iftar

One of my favorite moments during Ramadan is the time after breaking the fast, when we sit and talk. We share stories about our day school experiences, work challenges, funny moments, and reflections about fasting.

I still remember a time when my son shared his thoughts about fasting. He said that when he was a child, fasting felt very long and difficult. The day felt endless because all he did was play. But now, as a university student, fasting feels much easier and faster. His days are filled with lectures, group assignments, discussions, and activities. Time passes without him even realising it.

That simple reflection stayed with me. It reminded me that our perspective changes as we grow, and Ramadan grows with us too.

Taraweeh: Between mosque, musalla, and home

For Isha and taraweeh (optional night prayers during Ramadan) prayers, we usually pray at the mosque or mushalla near our house.

In our housing complex, there is a small mushalla about 100 metres from our home, which can accommodate around 50 people. There is also a larger mosque about 1 kilometre away. During Ramadan, we often take turns, sometimes praying at the mosque, sometimes at the mushalla. Occasionally, we also pray isha and taraweeh together at home, especially when we feel tired or want a quieter moment.

Walking together to the mosque at night, feeling the cool air, hearing children’s voices, and seeing neighbours, these are experiences that we only have during Ramadan.

Sharing sweets

In the afternoon, especially on weekends or holidays, we often go out together to buy takjil (light, often sweet snacks) for iftar. This is 1 of the most joyful Ramadan traditions in Indonesia.

During Ramadan, the streets are full of takjil sellers. You can find so many kinds of food: cakes, traditional snacks, porridge, drinks, and other treats that are only available during this month. It feels like a small festival every afternoon.

We usually buy takjil not only for ourselves, but also to share with the security guards in our housing complex and with the mosque. Sharing food, even something small, brings happiness that is hard to describe.

What Ramadan means to me

Ramadan makes me feel truly happy.

I spend more quality time with my family, strengthen my relationship with my children, and feel closer to my wife. I also have more time for worship, reflection, and gratitude. Surprisingly, I also feel healthier during Ramadan, more disciplined, more mindful, and more balanced.

For me, Ramadan is not about perfection. It is about effort, togetherness, and small meaningful moments that stay in our hearts long after the month ends.

I pray that these simple Ramadan moments will become beautiful memories for my children, just as my own childhood Ramadan memories still live with me today.

Ramadan is truly a gift and I am thankful for it every year.

Eid al-Fitr: Becoming a new person

Eid al-Fitr has always been a very meaningful moment for me, even since my childhood. One tradition that stays close to my heart is wearing new clothes on the day of Eid. When I was young, our family would always prepare new clothes for Eid al-Fitr, and usually we wore matching outfits as a family.

The clothes did not have to be expensive or fancy. What mattered was the meaning behind them. The new clothes symbolized that on the day of Eid al-Fitr, we return as new people, starting a new life after completing 30 days of fasting.

For us, wearing new clothes represents purity, renewal, and hope. After a month of discipline, patience, and worship, we believe that, inshallah, our sins are forgiven by Allah. It is a moment of gratitude, humility, and joy, shared together as a family.

This year, Islamic Relief will be spreading the joy of Ramadan by providing Ramadan packs to over 1.1 million people in 32 countries. Donate today to help provide iftar for families in need around the world.