Empty Stomachs and Full Hearts: My Ramadan Tent Experience

As a Muslim who has fasted during Ramadan for as long as I can remember, it is a time I hold close to my heart. I, like many other Muslims, take advantage of the month by focusing more on my faith and my relationship with God. It is a time for reflection, self-discipline, charity and community. While I have always used these words to describe the month, my Ramadan Tent experience deepened my understanding and allowed me to see Ramadan through the eyes of others, Muslim and non-Muslim alike.

Heidi, a Media Officer who is volunteering for the second year, explained how she had never heard about Ramadan until last year. Growing up in a religious environment she was curious about fasting and wanted to learn more, hence her involvement. She said, “Things like this are so vital in bringing communities together, building interfaith dialogue and cross cultural communication. I considered myself to know a bit about Islam and Muslim culture but coming to Ramadan Tent opened my eyes so much. I learned so much more that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.”

Soline, Press Officer, also became curious about Islam because she met so many Muslim friends whilst studying. She explained that the main aim of the Ramadan Tent Project was to make the faith more real. “It’s such a simple idea – Islam in an open space, a garden in London, not through a TV screen so stereotypes are broken down. That sense of simplicity and genuineness is so powerful. Even though I’m not a Muslim, the sense of family and belonging here is very strong. Seeing this pledge that Muslims make, whether it’s giving to the needy or smiling a bit more makes me believe in humanity.”

And family is one of the main reasons the initiative is so important to Omar Salha, Founder and Director. He explained, “The main reason I came up with the idea was to provide a community atmosphere for my friends and colleagues whilst we were studying. They were away from their families during the month of Ramadan and I wanted to provide a space that gave them a sense of belonging. It’s also about remembering those who are in less fortunate positions, to remind them that they are not neglected or ostracised by the community.”

Omar explained that every one is welcome, of all faiths and of none. I wondered what fuelled his dedication and he explained, “All my life I’ve dedicated efforts into understanding ‘the other’. Its very easy to ‘other-ise’, and ostracise other groups and faiths. Here, people come break fast with people they haven’t met before and may never see again. This is an opportunity to combat negative stereotypes about our faith but also to learn about others at the same time. It’s easy to create waves, but the key is consistency, we’re here every day for the month and now the second year. That consistency is our biggest achievement.” He added, “The success of this project has been down to the volunteers, they have been amazing and commendable, I can’t give any of their time back, they’ve invested so much. They deserve the credit and are the success story.”

I interrupted a group of girls laughing on a bench. Messaouda, Leila, Tania each explained how much they loved Ramadan and the feeling of togetherness while Maaria and Tuba communicated respect for the small steps being taken in the right direction by the initiative. Ilham, who came alone, said that although she was away from her family, she felt a community spirit. “People are more open when they’re eating. This is a good thing. It’s beautiful.”

Although I found every single chat fascinating in its own way, my favourite (sorry everyone, but I’m sure you’ll understand!) was with 5 year old Sofia – with an ‘f’ as her Mum stressed. She explained that Ramadan is “a month when we fast and eat early in the morning and at night after the sun sets… I fast sometimes.” I asked how that made her feel, expecting her to say hungry or tired but she replied with “happy.” Sometimes, the simplest statements are the best.

Little things like having family around or having the food you want to eat at iftar are so easily taken for granted. I was lucky to see strangers become family for an evening. It is a powerful sight and a testament to the efforts of those encouraging communities to learn from each other and stand side by side. Unity means strength and I reflected on this as I left the park with both my tummy and heart satisfied.