Across the U.S., many students are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, fasting from dawn to sunset, holding a strong sense of faith, and letting go of bad habits. While fasting is already a challenge, doing so in a country where Islamic traditions aren’t widely recognized can make it even harder. Yet, for Muslim students, the sense of community and the joy of celebration at the end of each day make the struggle worthwhile.
Not only are Muslims fasting for food, but also from bad habits that they have been accustomed to throughout the year. Ramadan is a time of recouping and becoming a better version of you. After 30 days of fasting, the habits that have been so hard to break away from should start to be controllable. Ramadan isn’t just a spiritual practice but a challenge for oneself to learn self-control and discover how much we could all improve.
Fasting during Ramadan is a unique challenge for many students as they try to continue balancing their faith and religion with school. It is common for students to feel fatigued, but many students balance this by waiting until after they eat to finish up their studies. Many students mention his it is difficult to stay awake during lectures, but easily draw their focus back on their studies once they have food in their system.
Elena Kasfy, a Junior at San Dimas, is fasting for the month of Ramadan and shared her experiences within the social aspect, her academics, and friends. Kasfy Emphasized that her “friends and classmates are usually surprised just at the fact that I can’t drink water.” This is a common misconception that people think about Ramadan. While fasting, Muslims cannot only not eat but also not drink water. Kasfy emphasizes that the reactions from her friends are a big culture shock to them.
Socially, Kasfy mentions that she enjoys breaking her fast with her family and friends and that these social gatherings are what make the long day of fasting worth it. Families usually gather in big groups and cook food for the whole community. The late-night coffee and desert runs are the highlight of Kasfys day.
Many teachers have seen the toll that Ramadan has on students who are celebrating. Journalism and English teacher Mrs. Lehrmann says, “They are very passionate about their cultural holidays and self-determined.” She also adds “It seems very family-oriented.”
Although the month of Ramadan seems difficult, it is a time of self-reflection and a time to bring inner peace to oneself. Many utilize the time to become more religious and create better habits while also focusing on the main pillars of Islam. Giving out extra to charity, becoming more self-aware, and spiritual development is what Muslims are trying to achieve during this month. Many students by the end of the month become more well-rounded, as well as discover more about themselves that they didn’t know before.
