Between Two Worlds: Celebrating Ramadan Far From Family

By Tabby

Ramadan has always been more than just a holy month for me. Back in Afghanistan, it was a season of togetherness—a time when delicious food reflected the warmth of the people around the table. I grew up with sehri and iftar surrounded by my mother, grandmother, and siblings, where every meal we cooked together felt like love passed down through generations.

It was a month of beauty and giving—offering food to those in need, preparing meals for neighbors and nearby shopkeepers, and praying deep into the night—these were the pieces of Ramadan that shaped my understanding of faith and community. My mother and I would go shopping for clothes and decorations, always excited to make our space reflect our joy.

But this is my second Ramadan away from them.

Living in the U.S. now, the absence of my family weighs heavier during this sacred month. I still wake early for sehri to fast, but now alone—it's difficult. The shift from community to solitude is more than cultural—it’s really emotional. Without my family beside me, Ramadan feels like a memory I’m trying to relive without the people who made it feel whole.

I miss the simplicity of shopping with my mom, of choosing my Eid holiday outfits and sweets, of planning intricate meals with care. I miss the sense of being wrapped in love—not just from those around me, but from the whole community. However, I know Ramadan has not been entirely the same for my family, either. These last few years I spent in Afghanistan, the gatherings of women for late-night prayers were prohibited.

This year, like the last, we managed a few calls, but with the time difference and everyone’s schedules, it wasn’t always easy to catch each other. The conversations were comforting, even if short, and hearing their voices brought back so many memories. Still, celebrating apart is its own kind of challenge.

So I fast, pray, and I hold onto the pieces that still connect me to home.

Even from an ocean away, some traditions stay with you.