Sadiq Khan reveals His struggles and Bad Habits During Ramadan And Everyone Is Surprised

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has opened up about the challenges he faces during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. In a candid conversation on the BBC’s Not Even Water: Ramadan Unearthed podcast, Khan admitted that he can become “a grumpy so and so” during this time, particularly because of his struggle to give up caffeine.

As a self-proclaimed “caffeine addict,” Khan finds it especially difficult to go without his daily coffee during Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from all food and drink, including water. This year, Ramadan began on February 28 and will end on March 30.

Khan shared that while he doesn’t miss the food or water as much, the lack of caffeine takes a toll on him. “I’m a grumpy so and so, I really am… I don’t miss the water and the food—it’s the caffeine,” he said. To prepare for this year’s fast, Khan decided to reduce his caffeine intake in advance, something he hasn’t done in previous years.

This year I’ve done something which I’ve not done in the past, which is to get ready for Ramadan by detoxing, so I’ve already reduced my caffeine intake—because let me be frank, I’m a caffeine addict,” he explained. He added that by the time Eid, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, rolls around, he’s so excited for his first cup of coffee that he becomes “hyperactive.”

Beyond the physical challenges of fasting, Khan spoke about the spiritual and personal growth that Ramadan encourages. He described the holy month as a time for self-discipline and reflection, not just abstaining from food and drink but also avoiding negative behaviors like swearing or losing one’s temper.

“The idea is, you restrain from doing stuff between dawn and dusk—not just eating and drinking, but having a relationship with your wife, not swearing, not doing bad things,” he said. Khan likened Ramadan to “pre-season training” for football, where the effort put in during this time sets the tone for the rest of the year. “How effective you are during the other 11 months is how good you were during Ramadan. It’s like a rebooting,” he explained.

Khan also acknowledged the difficulty of staying calm and composed while fasting, especially when hunger can make tempers flare. “It’s really important to remind ourselves that when you’re hungry, you can sometimes be hotheaded,” he said. He emphasized the importance of avoiding conflicts, both verbal and physical, during Ramadan, and suggested pausing and reminding oneself, “Listen, I’m fasting,” if tensions rise.

In addition to his personal reflections, Khan has been actively involved in celebrating Ramadan in London. Last week, he switched on the Ramadan Lights at Piccadilly Circus, marking the third year of this annual display. The installation features 30,000 LED bulbs arranged in Islamic geometric patterns and symbols, illuminating the West End and symbolizing the city’s cultural diversity and inclusivity.

Khan’s openness about his experiences during Ramadan highlights the personal and spiritual significance of the holy month, as well as the challenges that come with it. His efforts to prepare for fasting and his commitment to self-improvement reflect the deeper purpose of Ramadan—a time for reflection, discipline, and renewal. As he navigates the month without his beloved coffee, Khan’s humor and honesty offer a relatable glimpse into the realities of fasting, even for a high-profile public figure.