Do you think you could last without food and water from dawn to sunset? During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims all around the world do so for 30 days in a row. They refrain from using profanity, increase their worship, and strive only to do things that please Allah, the Arabic word for God.
For Muslims, fasting does not simply refer to refraining from food and water — it is thinking of those who are less fortunate and building community. During this month, Muslims gather in mosques (holy places of worship) say prayers, and give to their communities. Freshman Safwan Ekush said, “I enjoy how [fasting] brings all Muslims together because we are all doing this as a community, so I really enjoy that closeness.”
According to National Geographic, “The naming of Ramadan stems from the Arabic root ‘ar-ramad,’ which means scorching heat. Muslims believe that in A.D. 610, the angel Gabriel appeared to Prophet Muhammad and revealed to him the Quran, the Islamic holy book” (nationalgeographic.com). In verse 94:5 of the Quran, it is stated that, “Indeed, there is ease with hardship.” Fasting is a Pillar of Faith in Islam, so it is obligatory on all Muslims who have reached puberty. Muslims also voluntarily fast on other days throughout the year. They fast primarily because it is an order from Allah. In verse 2:183 it says, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
Ramadan falls at a different time every year due to the Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. It is a lunar calendar that is used worldwide to determine Islamic holy days and events. This year, the first day of Ramadan falls on March 11 (almanac.com).
The time that Muslims begin and end their fasts is dependent on the time that the sun rises and sets. Every day in the month, the time changes by about a minute. Ekush said, “My favorite part about Ramadan is Iftar, the time we eat. Waiting at the dinner table with all your family and counting down. Once the time finally comes you get to eat and that feeling really is crazy.” Ekush emphasized that fasting helps develop patience. To be able to “last” or sustain themselves for the day, Muslims wake up before dawn and eat a breakfast that is referred to as Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal. Suhoor can vary in different cultures but some people eat eggs, fruits, dates, and often foods rich in fiber that can help provide energy.
In a country where Islam is a minority religion, it can be a struggle to fast whilst also balancing education or work. With acknowledgement and awareness, the Muslim community is given a better opportunity to practice their religion and worship whilst striving in their careers and education. Many districts and schools are supportive and accommodating during the month of Ramadan.
MSA President Senior Meryem Al- Delaimy said, “As Ramadan is approaching, MSA plans to create informative posters to put around the school, with the purpose of educating students on what the month is about.”
Ramadan has a rich history and meaning and holds a very important place in Islam. MSA’s Instagram page, @msauchsclub, is a great place to look to for updates and information on Ramadan and how it is impacting the UC community.