Students have finished celebrating Ramadan, a month-long Islamic holiday which ran from September 1 through September 30.
Beginning on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a time when Muslim people fast. Ramadan, meaning “ninth month”, is the most honored and respected month of the Islamic year.
During this time period, Muslims fast for 14 hours, refraining from consuming anything from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is when one does not eat or drink anything. This practice of fasting is meant to teach patience, sacrifice and humility.
“We are supposed to feel hungry, to see how it feels to be less fortunate and in the end we give back to those who are poor,” Arabic teacher Dr. Mona Hamdy said.
Those who practice this custom do not only fast but also ask for forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance, ask for help in refraining from everyday evils and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.
“During Ramadan, I try my best to not do any bad things, and reflect on my past actions, and pray I can do better in the future,” junior Abdallah Al-Sulaihat said.
After sunset when this fast is broken, there is a prayer and a meal called the Iftar. Following the Iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out to visit family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.
When asked about fasting, junior Amira Haleem said, “I really look forward to it.”
In the routine of Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to five daily prayers many Ramadan participants recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer, or the Night Prayer. Some even commit to spending the entire night praying.
Refraining from everyday sins can be difficult for students; the fast is considered broken after five offenses, which include lying, using slander, making false promises, showing greed or selfishness, and talking behind someone’s back. During the month of Ramadan, committing these violations is made worse because of the religious importance of the celebration.
“It’s really hard to refrain from sinning because some people try to provoke you and society has become accustomed to many misdeeds that can break the fast,” senior Saqib Ashraf said.
On the evening of the twenty seventh day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr, or the Night of Power. It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. According to the Quran, God predicts the outcome of the upcoming year.
On the day the fast ends, which is the first day of the month of Shawwal, it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr, or the Feast of Fast Breaking.