By Ayah Hassan, Staff Writer
The time has come! The month of Ramadan is here and Muslims around the world are getting ready for all it has to bring. But first, what is Ramadan?
Many Muslims start their day by waking up for an early morning breakfast before the sun rises, called suhoor or sehri. Once the sun rises, the fast has officially begun. Most continue with their day as normal, except for one thing: no food or water. Once the sun sets at the end of the day, they can finally eat iftar: the dinner that takes place after breaking your fast. It is traditional to break your fast with a date or water.
Some eat iftar at home with their families, and some gather with their extended family or friends to break their fast together and celebrate their accomplishment. An optional few-hour-long prayer then takes place every night at the mosque.
When most people think of Ramadan, they think of fasting, but in reality it is so much more than that. “Ramadan is kind of like a cleansing time,” sophomore Zehra Thakkar comments. “It’s a time where you can really reflect on your actions and your thoughts and really clean up your act for the next year.” Freshman Aqsa Safa agrees, describing Ramadan as “a good reminder that other Muslims are less fortunate… it reinforces the need to be thankful.”
Although a big part of Ramadan is not eating during the day, ironically, many seem to have a common thing that they look forward to: “Food.” Aqsa says without hesitation. “Probably my nani’s cooking.” agrees, Zehra. “She makes all the best stuff during Ramadan.” Freshman Ayman Jay conveys that he is “most excited about iftar.”
This year, River Hill’s Muslim Student Association is celebrating Ramadan with The Inter-MSA Iftar, taking place on March 23rd at the Muslim Family Center. Multiple MSAs from various Howard County High Schools plan to attend. The event will include food and a plethora of activities for students to take part in. “I’m really excited!” says Freshman Zaina.
From early morning Suhoors, late nights at Taraweeh, delicious iftars with friends, and growing spiritually, I wish everyone a happy Ramadan: Ramadan Mubarak. Don’t forget to support your Muslim friends this Ramadan.