Birmingham councillor Shabina Bano has opened up about what Ramadan truly means to her this year, emphasizing its spiritual and social dimensions beyond fasting.
Representing the Small Heath ward, Cllr Bano spoke candidly about focusing this Ramadan on “finding yourself” and fostering stronger connections with both oneself and the wider community. As millions of Muslims across the UK continue to observe the holy month by abstaining from food and drink, she shared her belief that Ramadan is much more than just a physical discipline.
“Ramadan is about connecting with ourselves,” Cllr Bano told BirminghamLive. “We need to connect with the communities around us.”
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The councillor, a mother of five, also revealed how she uses the occasion to teach her children about empathy. “Ramadan is a time to be empathetic towards your neighbours and to explore who you truly are — your values and beliefs,” she explained.
She stressed that the month isn’t solely defined by refraining from eating, but by an opportunity to nurture one’s character. “It’s not just about not putting food in your mouth,” Cllr Bano said. “It’s about your personality, the way you treat your neighbours, how you carry yourself — all of this shapes who you are.”
She continued, “In those 30 days, you’re not just fasting; you’re shaping yourself as a human being, striving to be the best you can be for your society.”