Good Morning, it's Sunday, March 9. This is our Special Edition for Ramadan and we’re bringing you all the tips to be your best self for the season while you reflect and set your intentions. We’re talking about deeply hydrating ingredients in your skincare, fasting tips, Nadiya Hussain’s latest cookbook and the best picks from Ramadan fashion collections 🧕🏾🌹🌙

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  • 🌏 Fasting Hours: Fasting hours vary, with some countries fasting for 16 hours and others 13 so here is the global roundup.

  • 🇦🇪 Tent Swag: Emiratis take Iftar and Suhoor to the next level with exquisitely designed tents like the Al Diwan at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. 

  • 🤲🏾 Hope in Gaza: Following months of destruction, families in Gaza are taking the time this Ramadan to heal together, sharing Iftar amid devastation.

  • 🇳🇬 Breaking Fast in Lagos: From Burna Boy joining billionaire Aliko Dangote and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu hosting federal staff, people are coming together.

  • 🇸🇩 Special Initiatives: Mazin Alrasheed is the founder of Sururab Community Kitchen, an initiative feeding 350 internally displaced Sudanese families during Ramadan.

  • 🇺🇸 Henna in NYC: Henna artists in NYC, usually one-woman businesses, are preparing for a hectic season and talk about trending henna styles.

Abstaining from water during your fast can leave your skin dry and tight. Dermatologist Dr. Curry-Machado recommends using skincare products with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides this season. Products with polyglutamic acid and aloe vera or honey are also great options.

It is also important that you wash your face with lukewarm water only and that you do not over-cleanse your skin or use harsh ingredients during this season, Dr. Omar Ibrahim emphasizes.

Our special halal skincare hydration kit: after cleansing, use AXIS-Y’s New Skin Resolution Gel Mask, layer with FARSÁLI’s Skintune Perfecting Serum and seal it in with Flora & Noor’s Super Glow Gel Moisturizer, with niacinamide and aloe vera. Ahhh, so calming 😶‍🌫️ 

  • Consider a Wellness Retreat: Ramadan is a time for rest, and writer Eman Bare is making the case for why you should spend yours unplugging and de-stressing at a wellness retreat. 

  • How to Workout While Fasting: Exercise while fasting can be tough, but clinical nutritionists and personal trainers have some tips, including prioritizing workouts that help with strength training, cardio and flexibility while fasting.

  • Fasting with Medical Conditions: Professor Fatai Fehintola has some tips on moderation & how to schedule your drugs.

  • Fasting Trackers Can Help: With fast tracker features on apps like Muslim Pro, you can set prayer times and reminders on when to break your fast. 

  • 📖 Rooza: Nadiya Hussain’s latest Ramadan-focused cookbook has main dishes and dessert recipes for all 30 days of the fast. Her Samsa recipe is everything.

  • 📱Every Little Crumb’s Ramadan 2025: Farah Abu Maizar is a certified dietitian, and her latest digital cookbook, Every Little Crumb’s Ramadan 2025, features 110 different recipes, including Suhoor specials.

  • 💡 Nourishing Recipe: Nombu Kanji is a warm savoury porridge made with rice, chicken or mutton, and coconut milk, is an Iftar favourite. This recipe by Aarthi is our go-to. 

  • 🇦🇪 Cooking Masterclasses: The Ecole Ducasse is hosting a Suhoor pastry class in its Abu Dhabi studio, while Three by Eva in Dubai is hosting classes exploring Middle Eastern cuisine this Ramadan. 

The 2025 collections have been about quiet luxury statements, jewelry with meaningful talismans and decadent comfort.

@loropiana

Loro Piana’s recent Ramadan capsule is a quiet luxury statement and we’re going for the William Coat with the Gralan Trousers

@loewe

Loewe’s first-ever Ramadan collection is this Silver Capsule Collection and it includes the prettiest limited-edition bags in laminated lambskin, like this Mini Puzzle Bag.

@kamushkistudio

Kamushki Studio is a fine jewellery brand owned by two Libyan sisters, and this multicoloured variant of their yearly Ayatul Kursi pendants is our pick. 

@lime_official

LIMÉ’s Ramadan Capsule is subtle and effortlessly perfect for evenings. We love this flowy embroidery detail dress and coat look. 

@dimaayad

Dima Ayad’s latest Ramadan collection shows you do not have to sacrifice colour, bold prints and shine this season with pieces like this Sequin V Neck Kaftan we adore. 

Throughout this season, we’re reflecting on our relationships with friends and family. And if you’re looking to support your Muslim friends this season, writer Alia Waheed notes that sending an Iftar package or texting a simple “you’ve got this” can make all the difference.

For parents, however, getting your children to understand Islam and how important faith is can be challenging when you live in Europe or the US, and Aymann Ismail provides some tips such as prayers during dinner, colourful religious children’s books, and being patient with your kids as they stumble their way into finding faith. 

📺 We’re streaming Oo’bal Andoko, a Ramadan-friendly Egyptian comedy series, where a couple about to be wed hear of failed marriages that make them question theirs.

  • Reading the Quran during Ramadan can be a wonderful way to reflect on the year and set your intentions. Also, if you can’t read Arabic, there are other ways to engage with the Holy Book, including audio recitations or by using a Kids’ version.  

  • Dream, Du’a, Do by Ruzina Ahad is the self-help book we’re loving this Ramadan, with nuggets teaching you how to achieve your goals. 

🎧 Sincerely, Sumayah is a podcast that supports women through our journey with faith. Start with this episode on setting intentions during Ramadan.