Ramadan is a part of the culture and religion of Islam. It’s the fasting of 30 days for the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The holy month gives you the opportunity to abstain from what you normally would do, which would be eating and, in my case, drinking. It clears your head because the indulgence of food requires the body to work. It gives you space from things. Ramadan slows you down.

One of the traditions of Ramadan is giving back and being thoughtful of others. During this holy time, you should be more observant of others—more generous, more thoughtful and more giving, if, when and where you can.

Fasting makes you more conscious of your body and world around you. There are so many Muslims around the world, and once you’re actually fasting, you realize a big part of the whole world is joining you in that. The global energy is there, and it affects your spirituality even in ways that you’re not thinking it might, which is why you become more attentive to the things around you.

It was wonderful to meet Imad [Izemrane] here in New York City because last Ramadan, I broke fast with him at his home in Los Angeles. I don’t have an Islamic community here, so it’s good to have someone that represents the same thing I do—and it’s always nicer to break fast with a friend. Most people have big family or community gatherings for Iftar.

I say often that I pray for mercy. My focus has to change. I have to help myself become more disciplined and focused. You’re busy flying, traveling to the next place, jumping into the next meeting, and I use Ramadan as a place to strengthen my intentions.

What’s next? I have to finish my book. I have to keep telling myself, ‘Bethann, whatever you do, you got to do it. Big.’

—Bethann Hardison in her own words, as told to CFDA’s Aldo Araujo.