Beginning Saturday, March 11, many Muslim students will fast from sunrise to sundown.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and is observed as a month of fasting, reflection on the past year and community. Fasting is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, meaning one of the five things that is necessary and obligatory for practicing Muslims to complete in their lifetime.
“This is a time where you truly become closer to God, we get so distracted with other things and Ramadan is where you have a reminder of community, family and the ability to be a better version of yourself,” counselor Ms. Sara Majid said. “We look at our groceries and see what we have, for sure that we have enough dates.”
Dates are a fruit that are traditionally eaten by Muslims when it is time to break their fast because it is the fruit that Prophet Muhammad himself used to break fast before going to Ramadan Prayers.
Other preparations are also made for Ramadan besides buying dates to break fast with. This includes preparing decorations, planning community events as well as ensuring teachers understand what their Muslim students will be doing. A lot of Muslim students still continue to do their sports and extracurricular activities during the month of fasting, which for some people can prove a bit difficult, so it’s important for students to keep their teachers informed on what the process of fasting entails.
“I start talking to coaches,” senior Adam Khattak said. “I do track, and running without water gets kind of tricky.”
When fasting for at least twelve hours a day, Muslims are also unable to drink water. This can result in dehydration, especially for those doing sports that require a lot of excursion. When Muslim athletes are able to eat, they drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the fasting day.
For a lot of Muslims this year, Ramadan has another layer as a result of ongoing tensions across different countries of the Middle East.
“Many people across the sea have been fasting against their will before Ramadan has even started,” sophomore Gaven Hensley said. “I think teachers and peers should know that for most
of us Muslims, it’s not a chore to fast or participate in Ramadan, but actually, an open door gives us a break from what we would call haram here in the west.”
While Ramadan is an obligation for Muslims, they are welcoming of others wanting to join in on the traditions.
“Ramadan’s purpose is to allow us to stop and think about the privileges we take for granted. It’s not just for Muslims, if you feel like participating in Ramadan we are glad to welcome you,” Hensley said. “I’m most excited for the opportunity to complete prayers, expand my knowledge of Islam, and destress.”
