Beginning in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by approximately two billion people around the world as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. This year, Ramadan starts on Friday, Feb. 28, and ends on Saturday, March 29.
According to Islamic teachings, the practice of celebrating Ramadan dates back to the seventh century when the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran. Since then, observers of the tradition fast from dawn to sunset every day during the month of Ramadan. The practice of fasting, also known as “sawm,” which means “to abstain” in Arabic, connects to one of the Five Pillars of Islam, symbolizing self-discipline, spiritual purification and empathy.
Ramadan encourages abiding by these tenets through fasting, which helps individuals understand the struggles of those who are less fortunate. In addition to abstaining from food and water, the fast involves refraining from cursing, lying, bad intentions and sexual relations. Celebrants are also encouraged to forgive others and use their time more constructively. However, children, pregnant women, elderly people and those who are ill or traveling are not required to abstain from food and water.
For many Muslims, each day of Ramadan begins with suhoor (a pre-dawn meal) and ends with iftar (the meal to break the fast), often shared with family and friends, to promote communal and familial connection. This time is also marked by furthering closeness to God. The beginning of a fast is initiated with a dua (prayer) of niyah (intention). The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival marked by feasting, gift-giving, and charity.
Members of our Poly community observe Ramadan, with some students participating in fasting and prayer throughout the day.
However, some students find the fast challenging while surrounded by people who don’t celebrate the holiday, and as the month is not often announced to the Poly community, many students are oblivious to the practices that their Muslim peers are taking part in. Senior Shaan Srinivasan, who fasts during Ramadan, recounted, “It’s kind of a unique challenge when not many other kids are fasting so it does make school a little harder with not much recognition.”
Although fasting at school proves difficult, when Poly students recognize the holiday, it seems to become less challenging. Senior Reza Mohammed stated, “The jokes are something that all Muslims get used to, but I’d say people are all really empathetic. Some of my friends will offer me food and then realize and then act super apologetic, and I just laugh.”
He added, “My friends even told me that they want to fast for a couple of days with me this upcoming Ramadan.”
Finding time and space for prayer and reflection at school can also be challenging. Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Michaela Mares-Tamayo noted that administrators are working to provide a space for students observing Ramadan, explaining, “We are identifying a dedicated classroom space where students can have a quiet space of observance and even rest during the lunch period since families have shared with us that the school day is particularly tiring when fasting.”
Mares-Tamayo shared, “Ramadan is significant on both a global scale and at our school because it marks one of the holiest months for some members of our Poly community. There are multiple faith traditions at Poly, and it is a beautiful thing to have this diversity within our community as we learn more about what is meaningful to our peers while sharing our own traditions in turn.”
Mares-Tamayo also recalled that the Muslim Student Association and their parents organized a Community Iftar in 2023 to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Mares-Tamayo noted, “I think [it] may have been the first time such an event took place on campus.”
During this time, it’s important to show our support to students observing Ramadan, particularly those who choose to fast, and we must also understand that Ramadan looks different for different individuals. Mohammed advised, “When you see people fasting for Ramadan, don’t be sympathetic. For all of us, it’s one of our favorite times of the year.”
Instead of offering sympathy, wish your Muslim peers a “Happy Ramadan” or “Ramadan Mubarak!”
