Ramadan—the holiest month on the Islamic Hijri calendar—began as the sun set on the evening of Sunday, March 10, marking the start of 30 days of fasting and prayer. The following day marked the first day of fasting. Many Muslim students at McLean are participating in the fast this year, abstaining from both food and drink during the day.

“Ramadan is a holy month when we Muslims fast to get closer to God,” senior Zubair Jibrin-Usman said.

The first day of Ramadan is a religious and cultural observance day in the FCPS calendar thanks to years of advocacy for Muslim students in the school division.

“I think marking the first day of Ramadan as an observance day is a positive step forward because it helps us concentrate and keep up on the first day [of fasting],” Jibrin-Usman said.

The Quran was revealed during Ramadan, giving the month its significance. Muslims break their fast each day with a customary meal known as Iftar through the month of Ramadan, with food traditions varying widely across cultures. Many Muslims also observe nightly prayers at the mosque throughout the month.

“I look forward to praying more in the [mosque]. Usually during Ramadan there are a lot more people who pray in congregation, and I enjoy seeing a full mosque,” said Langley senior Malek Zanbrakji, president of Langley High School’s Muslim Student Association. “Ramadan is one of those times in the year that brings muslims together into a community.”

As the month runs on a lunar calendar, Ramadan changes dates each year, normally starting 12 or 13 days earlier than the year prior. This year, the fast is around 14 hours long for those observing.
Each year, Ramadan ends with the holiday Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the month of fasting. Many exchange gifts and attend a morning prayer service on that day. FCPS schools will be closed for students and staff on Eid.

“Eid helps me to realize the privileges I have—like having a hot meal in front of me everyday, water to drink, a roof to live under and clothes to keep me warm,” senior Ayse Atalay said. “I learn to feel grateful for what I have during Eid after a month of fasting and partial restriction. During Eid, my family and I host a big breakfast with family members and later visit the elderly to kiss their hands and exchange laughs in a warm welcoming environment.”

The Muslim Student Associations of six FCPS schools, including McLean, plan to host a joint Iftar at Fairfax High School on March 21 for the third year in a row. The event is expected to gather over 100 Muslim and non-Muslim FCPS students.

“The Iftar will bring many young Muslims from across the county together for a dinner, which is a great opportunity to make friends and form larger communities than just those at a single school,” Zanbrakji said. “It also exposes them to Islamic knowledge, which may help increase them in faith, God-consciousness and understanding.”