During the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world begin their religious obligation to fast.
Ramandm, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts for 29 or 30 days. It was during the month of Ramadan that the Quran, which Muslims believe represents the world of God, was revealed to prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. During this holy month, Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset, with slight variations between different sects, the two most prominent being Twelver Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims.
During the month of Ramandan, Muslims wake up before dawn to eat Suhoor before the first prayer of the day, the fajr prayer. This is intended to strengthen their ability to fast during the day of fasting. Fasting usually ends after sun-set, or maghreb, usually around 7:30 p.m., where Muslims usually break their fast with dates, to honor the prophet who also broke his fast with dates. The month of Ramadan serves as a time for self reflection, spiritual growth and strengthening of one’s faith with Islam.
It is also due to this reason that during the month of Ramandan, Muslims refrain from wrongful actions such as cursing, lying, gossiping and the like. Fasting also fulfills one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the guidelines of life for Muslims. The other four include, prayer (praying five times a day), zakat (Charity), Haj (trip to Mecca), and the profession of faith (Shahada). Quran recitations are also a common practice during this month.
Ramadan ends with a celebration, called Eid-al-Fatr, during which large prayers are held, gifts are exchanged and the end of Ramadan, the holiest month of the year, is celebrated. It is common to hear people saying “Ramadan Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Ramadan” and to encounter carnivals or festivals based on the end of Ramadan. This celebration is such a big part of Islamic culture, and the culture at MCPS, that the county has closed schools on Apr. 10, the date of Eid-Al-Fatr this year.
Religion can be a force of unity among students and can establish a greater sense of belonging. Students at this school are observing this holy holiday, refraining from snacks, food and water. For the Muslim community at school, this is a time of unity and a time to establish a stronger connection with God and push each other to be better Muslims.
Ramadan holds different values for students at the school. For example, “Ramadan is a humbling experience that unites the Muslim community,” junior Artin Noori said.
Other students expressed similar positive outlooks toward Ramandan. “Ramadan is a stepping stone for getting rid of bad habits because it gives you motivation to start to break the tradition,” senior Sina Jafari said.
With Ramadan serving as a source of unity and renewal for Muslim students, It is important to learn about and understand this religious holiday.
