Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is a time of fasting, reflection, and community for millions of Muslims worldwide. Despite its cultural and religious significance, Ramadan has often been underrepresented in mainstream media. However, in recent years, filmmakers and television producers have increasingly incorporated stories that highlight the essence of Ramadan, its traditions, and the experiences of those who observe it.

Whether you’re looking for films that explore the spiritual journey of fasting, family-centered narratives, or TV episodes that offer a glimpse into Ramadan’s cultural importance, here are some of the best movies and television episodes that feature or focus on Ramadan.

Movies About Ramadan

1. Children of Heaven (1997) – Iran

Directed by Majid Majidi, Children of Heaven is a heartwarming Iranian film that, while not exclusively about Ramadan, beautifully portrays themes of sacrifice, gratitude, and familial love—values that align closely with the spirit of Ramadan. The story follows a young boy, Ali, and his sister, Zahra, who secretly share a single pair of shoes due to their family’s poverty. The film’s portrayal of perseverance and kindness resonates deeply with the themes of the holy month.

2. Mooz-lum (2010) – USA

This coming-of-age drama directed by Qasim Basir tells the story of Tariq, a young Muslim man navigating the challenges of college life while struggling with his strict religious upbringing. The film touches on the significance of Ramadan and the struggles of balancing faith with societal expectations. Mooz-lum offers a thought-provoking look at identity, faith, and family, making it a compelling watch during Ramadan.

3. The Blessed Tree (2012) – Jordan

This animated short film presents a historical story from the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and highlights themes of faith, humility, and divine intervention. While it is not entirely focused on Ramadan, its spiritual message makes it a wonderful film for family viewing during the holy month.

4. Ramadan Mabrouk Abu El Alamein Hamouda (2008) – Egypt

A comedic yet insightful film from Egypt, this movie follows a teacher, played by Mohamed Heneidy, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes responsible for guiding his mischievous students. The film humorously and poignantly showcases the values of Ramadan, including patience, generosity, and self-discipline.

5. Le Grand Voyage (2004) – France/Morocco

This moving film by Ismaël Ferroukhi tells the story of a father and son who embark on a road trip from France to Mecca for Hajj, Islam’s sacred pilgrimage, which often coincides with Ramadan. The film beautifully explores generational and cultural differences while emphasizing faith, self-discovery, and the importance of family.

TV Episodes Featuring Ramadan

1. Ms. Marvel – “Crushed” (2022, Disney+)

The Disney+ series Ms. Marvel made history by featuring one of the first significant portrayals of Ramadan in a mainstream superhero show. In the episode “Crushed,” Kamala Khan (played by Iman Vellani) and her family celebrate Ramadan in their community, showcasing scenes of breaking fast at the mosque, engaging in charitable work, and observing nightly prayers. This episode stands out for its authentic representation of Muslim life and traditions in a fun and engaging way.

2. Little Mosque on the Prairie – “The Cold Hard Truth” (2008, CBC)

This Canadian sitcom follows a Muslim community in a small town and often integrates Islamic practices into its storyline. In this episode, the characters navigate the challenges of fasting while dealing with everyday life, offering a humorous yet respectful depiction of Ramadan’s struggles and rewards.

3. We Are Lady Parts – “Godzilla” (2021, Peacock/Channel 4)

This British comedy-drama follows an all-female Muslim punk band. In the episode “Godzilla,” one of the band members, Ayesha, fasts for Ramadan while continuing her regular activities, including rehearsals and performances. The show portrays fasting as a personal and spiritual journey while balancing modern life, making it a relatable and refreshing depiction of Ramadan in Western media.

4. Ramy – “Strawberries” (2019, Hulu)

Ramy, a groundbreaking Hulu series, provides an introspective and often comedic take on the struggles of a young Muslim-American man. The episode “Strawberries” explores the complexities of faith, including the personal challenges of fasting during Ramadan. Ramy’s experiences highlight both the spiritual and social aspects of the month, making this episode a standout representation of Ramadan on television.

5. The Secret Life of Muslims – Multiple Episodes (2016, Vox/PBS)

This documentary web series features short episodes that explore various aspects of Muslim life, including Ramadan. The series provides educational yet engaging content that debunks myths about Islam and showcases the diversity of Muslim experiences in the United States.

Why Representation Matters

The inclusion of Ramadan in films and television helps promote understanding, normalize Islamic traditions, and provide Muslim audiences with meaningful representation. Seeing characters observe fasting, gather with family for Iftar, or engage in charitable acts allows for a more inclusive media landscape.

With more filmmakers and showrunners recognizing the importance of authentic storytelling, there is hope that even more Ramadan-centered narratives will emerge in mainstream media. Whether through heartwarming family films, introspective dramas, or lighthearted comedies, these stories help bridge cultural gaps and celebrate the universal themes of love, faith, and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude, and community, and these movies and TV episodes offer a glimpse into its significance. Whether you’re looking for deep spiritual themes, cultural insights, or just entertaining stories that incorporate Ramadan, these selections provide a meaningful way to engage with the holy month.

As media continues to evolve, the hope is that more stories will emerge that capture the beauty and diversity of Ramadan, offering viewers of all backgrounds an opportunity to learn and appreciate this sacred time. In the meantime, these films and television episodes are a great way to celebrate and reflect during the month of Ramadan.