During Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Muslim students all over the world observe and celebrate by fasting from food and water during the day, praying and engaging in acts of kindness or charity.  

“I’ve been doing it for probably six years now,” freshman Zainab Hussain said. “When I was younger, I fasted for like half a day or I would do it for like a day and then I wouldn’t do it again. As I get older it definitely gets easier and also as the month progresses I and I usually just get used to it.”

Freshman Ehab El-Ahmad who has also been participating in Ramadan for around six years, states that it’s always been good with everyone being brought together on the holy month.

“Fasting is a challenge but it is very fulfilling knowing you’re getting closer to your religion,” El-Ahmad said. “My experience has always been great.”

Even with the distractions of school, both of these students say they have realized that being in a learning environment can actually help with their involvement in Ramadan.

“In my opinion, school makes fasting easier as the workload distracts from hunger,” El-Ahmad said. “School gives me activities to do throughout the day that makes the time go by faster.”

Hussain agrees, but added that fasting is not without a challenge overall.

“I don’t mind not eating,” she said. “It’s mainly the water part that gets to me because I get horrible headaches and I just can’t focus on any of my work. It’s not that difficult at school because I don’t mind seeing other people eat because it’s not much of an inconvenience anyways.”

In the end,  El-Ahmad shares the true goal of Ramadan and how it impacts its participants.

“The hunger and thirst that come with fasting is often forgotten as Muslims focus on  improving their faith in Islam.” El-Ahmad said.

By Blake Johnson