Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection, charity, and prayer for Muslims around the world. This year, Ramadan starts on June 17th and ends on July 17th. In our newly released Healthy Ramadan Guide, in partnership with Values Partnerships and Muslim Wellness Foundation, Kameelah Rashad, president and founder of the Muslim Wellness Foundation says: 

"Ramadan is the perfect opportunity to engage holistically in an assessment of our spiritual, physical and emotional health" 

MomsRising would like to celebrate all of the moms celebrating Ramadan and share the stories of four amazing champions for health!

First, meet Mubarakah Ibarahim, a world-renowned health and fitness expert, educator, speaker, entrepreneur and businesswoman. Mubarakah acknowledges the power that woman have in the community by emphasizing the importance of mothers maintaining healthy lifestyles.

In her work she acknowledges links to health and Islam that are impossible to ignore.

Next, meet Jamilah Rasheed, a mother, wife, community activist, freelance writer, health enthusiast, gardener and an entrepreneur. Her love for gardening inspired her to start a community garden!

By spreading her love of gardening she is able to educate her community on an important life and survival skills and the wonders of healthy, fresh grown produce. Her garden continues to make a successful impact on her community.

Next is, Sumiya Khan, MS, RD, CD/N, a mother of two and a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist with over 15 years of experience who also enjoys photography, among other things. 

Sumiya Kahn uses her knowledge to help educate numerous Muslim communities through nutrition workshops. Her style of educating is culturally appropriate for the Islamic community, with the use of the Quran and Prophetic example.

Last but not least, Sarene Alsharif, a homeschooling mom of two, a nutritionist, public health educator, and writer. She holds a master’s degree in public health with a focus on disease prevention and health promotion .

Sarene believes education is the key to helping families make healthier lifestyle choices which is why she began her business, Healthy Plate 5, in Rockford, IL. With a strong emphasis on education healthy eating and exercise Sarene is able to spread her knowledge of healthy living with everyone she comes in contact with.

We are celebrating these women not just for what they have done but also for being able to find success and happiness through aligning their passion and faith to make real changes in their lives and the lives of those they come in contact with. These women are truly inspirational and lead as an example for everyone. They prove that it is possible to do what you love in good faith and be fruitful. More importantly they show us that if you love something, share it, so others may find health and happiness as well.