I TAKE AWAY SO MUCH FROM OUR FASTING AND PRAYING
Ramadan has so many virtues that are practiced everyday by Muslims across the world that bind us together as an “ummah” or larger Muslim community. Muslims seek to attain spiritual purity through fasting, praying, and expressing compassion and empathy towards those in need; seeking God’s blessings and forgiveness.
Each day during Ramadan, Muslim families wake up before dawn to have a light breakfast called “suhoor.” After breaking the fast, many Muslims gather at the mosque to offer night prayers. Ramadan is a communal holiday that every Muslim student looks forward to — we fast together, we pray together and we gather after prayers for tea together.
As a Muslim student, my daily routine is altered during Ramadan. This is often not accompanied with awareness and understanding from the school community. It often comes with its own challenges and ignorance from others. Fasting and praying are only a few aspects of Islam that help ground me as a person and a student. Taking the time five times a day to pray brings a sense of peace in my day and gratitude to all the blessings Allah or God has given me. In the wise words of Muhammad Ali, “Allah is the Arabic term for God. Stand up for Allah, fight for Allah, work for Allah and do the right thing, and go the right way, things will end up in your corner.”
During Ramadan, my friends and I observe “iftar” or the breaking of fast together. We gather around the table to eat together and connect with one another. We attend “taraweeh” or night prayers at the mosque together and we hang out after having tea and exchanging desserts we made. Ramadan is not only about this, but it’s also about feeding one another — we make it a plan to feed the shelterless and less fortunate in our community and beyond. We understand that after we fast, we will have food on our table, but many others won’t. This teaches us to not take what we have for granted. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Love for your brother what you love for yourself.” This is so profound that if I want to eat that cupcake when I break my fast, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught me to instead give that to the person beside me.
Fasting and praying are not obstacles — instead, they are beautiful lessons that make me forever grateful for what I have. Our community is so diverse and we all have cultural traditions that enhance our Ramadan celebrations.
I urge each and everyone of you to learn about your Muslim neighbors and their family traditions, learn about how they decorate and celebrate Ramadan, and expand your knowledge about them. I urge all educators to take Ramadan as an opportunity to clear misconceptions about their Muslim students because when educators are educated about Ramadan, they promote a climate of cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness in the school community. Moreover, identify your Muslim students and talk to them on how to best support them during this holy month. Educating yourselves is key to educating others, and, as always, ask questions because we are happy to educate.
Ramadan mubarak to you all!
As a Muslim student, my daily routine is altered during Ramadan. This is often not accompanied with awareness and understanding from the school community.