Muslims around the world are preparing to observe Ramadan, the most sacred time of the year in Islam, where Muslims fast, pray and reflect. The commencement of Ramadan is determined by the moon in Saudi Arabia, where the Kaaba is. This year it began on February 18 and will continue until March 20.
According to Islam, Ramadan is the time period when the sacred text, the Quran, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, supposedly sent by God to deliver guidance to society. The month centers around fasting from sunrise to sunset, which includes abstaining from drinking, smoking and marital relations to construct self-discipline and spiritual purification.
“This morning was hard because I had to wake up extra early to eat a big breakfast with my family,” senior Irfa Azhar said. “I’m already hungry and I miss my daily Celsius.”
Additionally, fasting is an empathy-building practice to understand the lives of those impoverished and to prompt charity among Muslims. Alongside fasting and charity, Muslims are encouraged to heighten their spiritual devotion at this time, attending prayer.
There are nightly prayers at mosques called taraweeh to strengthen the community and allow Muslims to engage with the religion. The first and last nights tend to see an influx of attendees, truly making for a heightened religious and communal experience.
For the Muslim students in our school, their lives are going to shift drastically. Families gather before dawn to eat, as well as in the evening to break fast. In New Jersey, the daylight will span around 13.5 hours during the period, slowly increasing as we move towards the spring equinox. At Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, the media center will be open during the lunch period for those students who are observing and wish to avoid the cafeteria
“At first, my focus is distracted, but over time, you adjust to the fast pace and I enjoy the routine,” senior Sama Alaulddin said.
Ramadan will conclude with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration of the end of fasting for families to congregate, gift give and prayer when the next crescent moon is spotted.
