Ramadan is an obligatory Muslim holiday that begins in February or March, because it starts 10 to 12 days earlier over a 33-year cycle. Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days over the span of the days fasting is required for all men and women that have hit puberty. The fasting period lasts from dawn to dusk (5 a.m-6p.m). The fasting ritual is taken seriously; drinking water and even chewing gum are impermissible. (iqranetwork)
Quran is often referred to as the holy book of Islam and is Muslim scripture. It is the beacon and guide to life in the Muslim culture and was founded 1,400 years ago around the months of February and March which signified the holiday, Ramadan. (qran)
This year Ramadan began the evening of February 28th and will end on March 30th making the holiday last for 30 days.
Muslims live all around the world and just because Ramadan is going on doesn’t mean Muslims get to put their lives on hold, they must go about their normal day to day lives following their customs.
Obligatory holidays can be difficult to stick to, especially when fasting in a food driven society. This can be even harder when having a set lunchtime, like at school.
“Of course, having to fast and being around people eating is hard,” junior Kareem Saleh said. “It spikes an appetite, and you start to feel hungry.”
The reason people fast is because it’s one of the five pillars of Islam. (Professions of Faith, Prayer, Almsgiving, Fasting, Pilgrimage). The month of Ramadan is for fasting, prayer, and reflection. The reason fasting was set in place was to practice resisting impure thoughts and behaviors under the guise of Islam tenets because the founder of Quran, Muhammad, started reflecting through these months. (learningreligions)
Although Ramadan knowledge isn’t widespread, people who aren’t Muslim are stepping up and making things a little easier.
“Although I don’t celebrate, I find that it is important that the students are aware of Ramadan and Muslim culture.” Spanish teacher Stacy Konnie, “It’s hard for Muslim students to have to be around food at school especially when people don’t know that they’re fasting.”
A lot of people find fasting very difficult for even a short period of time; however, the intensity can increase a lot when it’s over 12 hours. There are many activities or things people keep in mind to help motive and power through.
“Honestly, fasting isn’t a chore, we like it,” Salehs said. “It is difficult, but we just pray through these times and reflect, its food for the soul.”
Despite Muslim culture not being talked about often, it is still going on. It is important to be mindful of the customs of their culture. It could also be beneficial to get some information on Ramadan or any other traditions and holidays to become better educated.
