On Monday, March 17, 2025, the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) held an online panel discussion entitled: “The Interplay between Arab and African Cultures Regarding the Customs and Rituals of Ramadan in Africa.” The discussion explored the cultural interplay between Arab and African practices during the holy month of Ramadan. Speakers discussed shared social and cultural traditions among Muslim communities across Africa, shedding light on the role of family and community, common customs such as exchanging greetings, traditional Ramadan foods, and the importance of preserving religious values amid ongoing social and economic changes.

Participants included Dr. Widad Naibi, Associate Professor of Literature and Criticism, Researcher in African literature and women’s issues, and interfaith dialogue activist; Dr. Ahmed Alhaj Abdullahi, Associate Professor at the National University of Benin; Dr. EDJA Yao DRISSA, PhD holder specialized in translation from and into Arabic at the African Muslim University; Aissatou Kane, Islamic Civilization Specialist; and Dr. Salao Allassane, Researcher and Vice-Chair of the Department of Arabic Manuscripts at the Institute of Humanities Research at the University of Niamey. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Al-Sbitli, Head of African Studies Program at KFCRIS.