There’s a special month in the calendar for every Muslim who seeks spiritual enlightenment, physical detoxification and strengthened social cohesion. This month is known as Ramadan.
It’s difficult to truly convey and capture the spirit of this blessed month in which the Book of Guidance was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the month wherein lies the Night of Power, better than a thousand nights. Where words do not suffice, a photo will speak a thousand words. That’s where the Capture the Spirit of Ramadan initiative comes in.
The innovative and unique International Ramadan Photography Competition started in 2011 and now in its third year, celebrates the diversity, beauty, community and true essence of Ramadan through the lenses of aspiring professional Muslim photographers from every corner of the world. The submissions are nothing short of striking and compelling, each telling their own story of how this special month in the calendar of a Muslim ebbs a mark in their life. You can only be astounded by the profound stories of the Muslim world during this month, across borders and across cultures of every kind.
The true spirit of Ramadan when it arrives is a unique feeling, marked by the sighting of the glowing bright silver moon, Muslims 
eagerly anticipate welcoming Ramadan into their homes. You can see this beautifully through Capture the Spirit of Ramadan, how millions of Muslims all over the world invite Ramadan into their homes in various ways; some families mark the arrival by burning frankincense, others illuminate their homes with colorful lanterns, whilst many of the community can be seen rushing to pray together in the mosques – this is the month where we simply devote ourselves to rewarding acts of worship.
For anyone who witnesses the congregations filling every mosque until the rows stretch out onto the streets during Ramadan, you will have to admit it is quite a sight. There’s no better way to understand and truly embrace the spirit of Ramadan than through the Capture the Spirit of Ramadan initiative. Behind the lens, as we zoom in, there is a wonderful display of artistic skill which paints the striking picture of this blessed month in the lives of millions of Muslims.
What is also distinguishing about Capture the Spirit of Ramadan is that it celebrates a wondrous diversity and it displays some of the best features of the Islamic faith: compassion, humility, diversity, generosity, community and a sense of revival in our faith. For Muslims, every Ramadan is like a gift to renew their faith and to share this with millions of Muslims around the world is a pretty special thing.
Muslim photographers and event photographer Washington DC, are given the platform through which to showcase their world and display a level of prestige by entering this competition, each submitting photos that reach the depths of why this act of fasting is so important to our community. It is a wonderful opportunity for our international community to be educated on the spirit of Ramadan and the Muslim world at large, as well as provide a feeling of true magnificence when you see the variety of colors that complete the bigger picture of Islam in this blessed month.
To enter the competition, follow us on Facebook and glance through the collection of striking photos from all over the globe, each capturing the real spirit of Ramadan across the world at www.capturethespiritoframadan.org
Please share the beautiful photos so the world can see Ramadan capture in real beauty behind the lens.
