By Salma Zaghari, Current Staff Writer
As March comes to an end, Ramadan commences, leaving many students excited. Ramadan is a month in which muslims from all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset. During this month, Muslims pray, give charity, and focus on their relationship with Allah (swt). Muslims look at it from an aspect of self discipline, a remembrance to Allah (swt) and many other reasons. Ramadan is also great in allowing communities to come together in congregation. Children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, those who are physically or mentally incapable of fasting, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, menstruating women and travelers are exempt from fasting. The origin behind Ramadan took place in A.D. 619 when the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to the Prophet Mohmmed (peace be upon him) and revealed to him the Quran, and in turn Ramadan, the month of fasting.
The River Hills Muslim Student Asscoiation is also exited for this upcoming Ramadan. Senior Shameem Sahib, Vice President of RHHS MSA reports, “The late nights at the masjid with friends and community Iftaars are some of the best events I look forward to every year. There’s no denying it’s a struggle, but on the other side there’s memories that I’ll cherish for years to come.” Senior Jannah Nassar, President of the RHHS MSA, agreed with Shameem’s statement, saying the “opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their connection to the religion and prepare themselves spiritually for the upcoming year by breaking bad habits and forming new ones like reading more quran, praying Taraweeh, or learning more about the religion through Islamic books.”
Ramadan is a very special time for students, and allows them to make long lasting memories, with many things to look forward to. Freshman Ayah Hassan stated, “I love Ramadan so much, it is a time for me to get closer to Allah (swt), my favorite thing about Ramadan is the food, and Taraweeh.” A freshman member adds, “My favorite part about Ramdan is the food. There are traditional Iftars we usually only eat during Ramadan, and it’s very special to me and my family. Taraweeh is also super fun and allows me to get closer to Allah (swt).”
During this month, many Muslims participate in Taraweeh. Observed at night, in which they participate in a number of optional rakats and recite Quran. While in Ramadan, Muslims also pray their obligatory five daily prayers, including: Fajr (sunrise prayer), Dhuhr (noon prayer), Asr (afternoon prayer), Maghrib (sunset prayer), and Isha (night prayer). All of these prayers help muslims stay closer to Allah (swt) and strengthen their Iman (faith). Ramadan is also an important month for charity. While Muslims fast, they put themselves in the shoes of those who are less fortunate. The early breakfast is often worded as Suhoor, and the breaking of fast is known as Ifar. Many Muslims break their fasts with dates, as it is the sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet.
With all the joy Ramadan brings, it can also sometimes be hard, especially when in school. Ayah Hassan explains, “As much as I love Ramadan, It can sometimes be a little hard in school. I have a lot of after school activities as well as assignments, and when you add that on to Ramadan, it’s a little tricky.”
Our school facility has also made plans for the Muslim students this upcoming month. Principal Lidgard shared with the faculty that “Our students would very much appreciate knowing they can apporoach you to let you know they are observing Ramadan, to share their celebration and to ask for anything they might need… we would also like to approach our muslim student assocation for an upcoming Ifar night.” She also added how excited she is for this upcoming month, and has made plans to meet often with the MSA. Counselor Mr.Krouse mentioned, “We have provided private places for students to be able to pray, we have alerted the staff regarding fasting.”
After Ramadan, comes Eid. A day of celebration of the breaking of the fast for Muslims. Everyone eats, spends time with family and friends, and visits the mosque for the Eid prayer.
For more information about Ramadan, you can visit: https://ing.org/resources/for-all-groups/calendar-of-important-islamic-dates/ramadan-information-sheet/