Facebook said it saw over 20 million “Happy Ramadan” posts and comments on Facebook last year, and video calls on WhatsApp spiked on the first day of Eid. With this year’s Ramadan starting next Monday (April 12), the social network kicked of several #MonthofGood initiatives.
Throughout the holiday, Facebook will collaborate with communities, creators, nongovernmental organizations and publishers to highlight people making a positive impact in their communities and inspire similar efforts by others.
U.K.-based director Basma Khalifah will host a video series on Facebook to celebrate changemakers and small businesses in the Muslim community.
Teen Vogue director of fashion and beauty features Tahirah Hairston will moderate a panel about modesty in Western culture and inclusion within the fashion industry.
Creators from around the world will share special moments from their Ramadan celebrations through a series of live videos on Instagram throughout the month, highlighting a variety of Muslim voices.
#MonthofGood content will appear on @Creators, @Design, @Instagram, @InstagramforBusiness and @Shop.
People looking to make charitable donations or fulfill their Zakat during the month can turn to Facebook and Instagram to find nonprofits including Heroic Hearts, Molham Volunteering Team, Rahma Worldwide, UNHCR and Zakat Foundation of America.
New stickers were released on Instagram, designed by Hala AlAbbasi, and on WhatsApp, illustrated by Murat Kalkavan. New Avatar stickers will be added for the flagship Facebook application, and Messenger From Facebook and Messenger Kids will also get new camera effects and stickers.
Facebook Watch and IGTV will feature exclusive Ramadan series such as Foodies & Spice, The Food Rangers, Khalid Al Ameri, Nefis Yemek Tarifleri and fare from networks including MBC and RCTI.
Users can also tune into Live Suhoor Talks, a global series hosted by creators across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and the U.K featuring weekly conversations on topics ranging from food and fasting to mental health and well-being.
Facebook wrote in a Newsroom post Tuesday, “Despite the barriers to coming together in person, Ramadan remains a time for generosity, charity and reflection. In 2020, people contributed twice as much to Ramadan-related fundraisers than they did in 2019 across Facebook and Instagram.”