Muscat – A group of experts has called for making the most of Ramadan as a unique opportunity to reset priorities and build character, stressing that the month is not merely a spiritual time, but a comprehensive framework for meaningful change in daily life – particularly for youth. They noted that Ramadan transforms everyday routine […]

Muscat – A group of experts has called for making the most of Ramadan as a unique opportunity to reset priorities and build character, stressing that the month is not merely a spiritual time, but a comprehensive framework for meaningful change in daily life – particularly for youth.

They noted that Ramadan transforms everyday routine into conscious practices anchored in higher values and human purpose, equipping young people with the resilience to confront modern challenges, shielding them from the pressures of impulsive consumerism, and strengthening their sense of responsibility towards themselves and society.

Dr Rajab bin Ali Al Owaisi, expert in social and educational studies at the State Council, said the accelerating pace of modern life has imposed mounting pressures on young people, amid overlapping demands and competing roles, to the extent that time itself has become a source of stress that drains energy and blurs clarity of purpose.

He said Ramadan carries profound humanitarian and spiritual meanings, making it a turning point and a genuine method of change that reprogrammes thought patterns and convictions, directing these towards renewed aspirations and a better future.

According to Al Owaisi, Ramadan reshapes the individual’s relationship with time, transforming fleeting moments into opportunities for growth and awareness. Time, he said, becomes a space for spiritual elevation rather than a material resource to be consumed. Fasting, as a conscious act, requires patience, strengthens willpower and disciplines behaviour – enhancing one’s ability to manage both self and time responsibly.

He added that organising prayer, worship, rest and work during Ramadan creates a disciplined and purposeful rhythm, where each minute becomes an opportunity to deepen one’s connection with Allah, strengthen inner balance and cultivate social responsibility.

Al Owaisi also emphasised that Ramadan contributes to the psychological and intellectual well-being of youth by reducing the distractions caused by the rapid demands of daily life. Through worship, reflection and remembrance, individuals experience inner calm and contentment, reinforcing their capacity to cope with everyday pressures. Acts of charity and volunteerism further strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of belonging and self-worth.

Dr Tahira bint Abdul Khaliq Al Lawati, psychological and educational consultant, said the time discipline imposed by Ramadan can be transformed into a sustainable lifestyle that enhances productivity and mental balance beyond the holy month – provided it is properly utilised.

She pointed out that reorganising daily schedules during Ramadan helps break negative time-management habits. However, some youth fall into the trap of turning the month into a season of late-night entertainment and daytime lethargy, undermining its benefits.

Excessive late nights spent on sports or entertainment until dawn, Tahira said, turn daytime into a period of inactivity to compensate for sleep deprivation, negatively affecting productivity and health. In contrast, daytime in Ramadan can be highly productive, as work continues uninterrupted by lunch breaks, offering mental clarity and extended hours for focused achievement. She also warned that reversing sleep patterns disrupts the body’s biological clock and hormonal functions, leading to physical and psychological imbalances.

Dr Jihad bin Jameel Hamed, Associate Professor of Sociology at Sultan Qaboos University, described Ramadan as creating a “positive time shock” that redefines the meaning of time. The day is no longer measured solely by work or school schedules, but by spiritual milestones such as fasting, iftar, Taraweeh prayers and suhoor.

He noted that contemporary life often reduces time to a fast-paced cycle of productivity, consumption and entertainment. Ramadan disrupts this pattern, offering individuals a renewed sense of ownership over their day and enabling them to reorder priorities in line with deeper values.

This shift from a quantitative to a qualitative perception of time restores to young people a sense of relative control over their lives – a crucial psychological factor in countering feelings of helplessness amid the rush of modern living.

However, Hamed stressed that sustaining this transformation depends on individual awareness and determination. While some treat Ramadan as a temporary disruption before reverting to old habits, others use it as a launching point for lasting gains that reshape the trajectory of their lives.