Zohran Mamdani shared a thoughtful message on the meaning of Ramadan, highlighting the spiritual lessons of fasting and self-restraint as the holy month draws to a close.
Zohran Mamdani on Ramadan and what it teaches
In his latest YouTube video, Mamdani talked about how the experience of fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink. Recalling a remark made during the meeting that stayed with him, he described Ramadan as a reminder of the limits of instant gratification.
He said: “Something someone said at the iftar we hosted at City Hall the other night really stuck with me. Ramadan is also a lesson in the shallowness of instant gratification – how you spend all day longing for food, longing for water and anything you can fill yourself with, and then once you break your fast, you only spend a few minutes eating. It’s like that whole moment where you feel like you’ve already had the whole dream.”
He explained that during the day, those observing the fast often think about food, water and the act of breaking the fast. However, when that moment finally arrives, the feeling of longing quickly fades. Within a few minutes after eating, one feels full, so it seems that the whole day’s anticipation was not as significant as it felt.
According to Mamdani, this contrast offers a deeper lesson. It shows how desire can build over time, but satisfaction can come quickly and quietly. This experience, he suggested, encourages people to think about their relationship to consumption and the pursuit of immediate gratification.
Observed by Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time not only for fasting, but also for reflection, charity and fellowship. Iftar gatherings, where people gather to break their fast at sunset, are an important part of the month and often serve as moments of connection and shared understanding.
Mamdani’s remarks focused on this reflective aspect of the month rather than its ritual itself. By drawing attention to the fleeting nature of satisfaction, he pointed to a larger point—that discipline and patience can offer more lasting value than momentary indulgence.
His message also touched upon the communal spirit of Ramadan. Events like the City Hall iftar bring people from different backgrounds together and create space for dialogue and shared experiences. In this setting, reflections on faith often expand into broader conversations about everyday life and personal habits.
Mamdani’s remarks captured a key aspect of Ramadan in a simple yet thoughtful way – not just as a period of fasting, but as a time to reassess habits, reflect on needs and understand the difference between desire and contentment.
