Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this month, Muslims all around the world fast for 29-30 days, depending on the moon sighting. Ramadan is special for Muslims because this is the month the Quran, the holy book for Muslims, was introduced.
The most prominent aspect of Ramadan is fasting. In Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The meal they eat before sunrise is often referred to as Sehri. When breaking their fast, Muslim friends and families get together and eat a meal at sunset called Iftar. A few hours after Iftar, Muslims pray a special prayer called Taraweeh, which is a night prayer that can last a few hours throughout the night. Ramadan is a month focused on spirituality, and in light of this, Muslims usually try to read the entire Quran or as much as they can throughout the month in order to further connect with their religion.
“This Ramadan, I’m trying to fast for all 30 days because last year I did, and I felt really good afterward. I’m also going to try to read as much of the Quran as I can,” senior Abdul Wahab said.
Other students are also taking the initiative to fast for the whole month, as well as attaining spirituality throughout.
“I’m going to fast for the whole month this Ramadan, as well as do some extra prayers and try to read the Quran as much as I can,” Junior Abdullah Khan said.
Other people have their own things that they like to do during Ramadan. It can stretch from making their own Sehri to helping others make Iftar.
“During Ramadan, I like to help out by making Iftar. It’s nice because I like to know what Iftar is going to be after a long day of fasting,” sophomore Rafiya Channu said.
This Ramadan, there will be students fasting while attending school. Fasting can make students feel more focused and energized during the day. Contrarily for others, fasting can make them feel more sluggish and tired throughout the day.
“Ramadan makes me feel more academically inclined. I feel more sharper and smarter; my body feels more energized. I feel like a better person and a better student overall. I also don’t procrastinate as much,” senior Affan Mohammed said.’
Many people have misconceptions about Ramadan, and that it’s hard, and it makes people feel sluggish and tired. But it seems like that is not the case.
“Ramadan is not torture. It’s amazing, and it’s an amazing thing. The vibe is perfect. We fast together, pray together, and learn together. It makes us feel like a better person,” junior Mamdouh Babkir said.
During Ramadan prayer is of the utmost importance. Many Muslim students pray in room 133 during 5th period during Ramadan. This is something that the school has offered.
Ramadan is a time of deep spiritual reflection and growth for Muslims worldwide. It is a month of fasting, prayer, and reading the Quran, but it is also a time of community and personal development. Students have shared their unique experiences and perspectives, highlighting the transformative power of Ramadan. From fasting to helping prepare Iftar, from feeling more academically inclined to feeling a sense of unity and personal improvement, their stories illuminate the multifaceted nature of this holy month.