This year, Feb. 18 will mark the first day of the holy month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan. During this month, Muslims participate in fasting by not eating or drinking from dawn till dusk, as well as engaging in religious activities to draw themselves closer to their faith.
“Ramadan means a lot to me because it’s a time to get closer to Allah [God], reflect on myself and work on becoming a better person,” said sophomore Adil Ahmed Shaik, the prayer coordinator for the Muslim Student Association (MSA).
As Ramadan is less than four weeks away, students are beginning to prepare themselves beforehand.
“Ramadan being less than a month away makes me feel excited and a little nervous at the same time,” Shaik said. “I usually prepare by trying to pray more consistently, adjusting my sleep schedule and mentally getting ready to fast.”
During Ramadan, Muslims begin their fasting with suhoor, which is a meal consumed before dawn, when the duration of fasting begins afterwards. Then, Muslims eat another meal during iftaar, at dusk, which marks the completion of their fasting for the day.
“Within the busy society we live in today, I find peace in both [suhoor and iftaar] as they are both intimate times of the day dedicated to Allah,” MSA president senior Nadia Mansourian said. “During suhoor, I experience food being taken away from me and during iftaar, I get to eat again. It’s very special because it shows how with every hardship like suhoor, there is an ease like iftaar.”
Many students dedicate additional time to reading the Quran, which is the holy book that was revealed during the month of Ramadan.
“I’ve been reading the Quran and plan on finishing it by the end of February,” Mansourian said.
As Ramadan is filled with many exciting aspects, students are eager for it to come.
“I am super excited for Ramadan this year, because the month means so much to me and I love spending it with family and friends,” MSA social media manager junior Raya Al-Chaderchi said. “I hope to finish reading the Quran and give back to people who are in need.”
