Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims that transforms daily living for millions of Muslims around the world, bringing with it a rhythm of fasting, reflection, and community. Even for those who do not see it, the month is hard to miss. Its traditions, challenges, and celebrations shape the experiences of students, families, and entire communities. To understand how Ramadan is worked through and perceived, this article explores three different viewpoints: my own observations, the personal experience of a Muslim student who takes part during Ramadan, and the perspective of a non-Muslim student who sees the month from the outside. Together, these voices reveal how Ramadan creates not only spiritual discipline but also opportunities for understanding across cultures.
For me, Ramadan is not about religion or fasting it is about appreciating what I have and not taking anything for granted, whether its regular items or the people in my life. This month teaches me to hold everything dearly and stay grateful. The hardest part of Ramadan is not being able to stay active in sports during the day. Without energy in my body, it becomes difficult to function the way I normally do. Even with those challenges, my favorite parts of Ramadan are the family dinners, the focus on self-improvement, and the extra time used during prayer. Ramadan also changes my daily routine at school, helping me mange my time better as I balance stay up late, praying, doing homework, and still making it to soccer practices. One of my favorite memories is going to pray with my cousins and then leaving afterward to get food and hang out for a couple of hours.
While some students do not know too much about Ramadan, Mina Ghabriel is one who does. Mina understands some basics of these practices as Muslims are not allowed to eat from sun rise until sundown. Mina understands is immoral and corrupt actions are not seen as something a Muslim should be doing. Further speaking with Mina, it had come to my understanding that he had not understood Ramadan until this year. Mina has told me he noticed his Islamic friends not eating or do anything sinful. After asking questions, he later learned what Ramadan truly is. Mina believes Ramadan is an interesting thing to take part in since most religions only give up one thing while during Ramadan consumables are prohibited. What Mina would like to know is what is the true reason for fasting during this holy period. This is something everyone should understand. The reason being that it helps one develop self-discipline, deepen their gratitude, and strengthen their connections with Allah (God).
When speaking with one of our Muslim peers here at Lincoln-Way East, Omar Alnass views Ramadan as the time of improvement. He believes during this month that Muslims should develop discipline, feeling of gratitude and give back to the needy. Omar believes that while fasting all day Muslims waste it later on just by stuffing themselves within 5 minutes. Omar perceives this as a horrible act saying “Ramadan is not just fasting all day and getting full later. You should enjoy your food and the prescience of others.” For some the hardest part of the day is not being able to eat anything, but for Omar it is the water. “It’s hard for me go through a school day with minimum liquids in my body.” Though without liquids, Omar believes if all your energy is not wasted on one activity a Muslim should be fine thorough their day. I asked Omar about his routine during Ramadan, and his schedule is remarkably simple. Omar wakes up around 5 am to drink water, pray and go back to sleep. Once Iftar comes around, he breaks his fast with family and friends and goes to the Masjid to make tarawih prayer. Many Muslims have a favorite part of Ramadan, but Omar’s is Laylat Al Qadri where you stay overnight at the Masjid and pray with everyone. People bring food and drinks and enjoy the presence of others.
No matter what ethnicity or religion you are, Ramadan looks different upon everyone depending on who is experiencing it, but each person adds value to Ramadan and adds importance to the full picture. For Muslims, it is the month of discipline, gratitude, and spiritual growth. For those who see it, it creates questions and opportunities to get them answered. Whether it’s fasting, praying, or noticing the changes around them, everyone gains something from this holy time. At the end Ramadan is not only a time of personal reflection, but also a reminder of how much stronger our communities become. We respect and understand each other.
