The Holy month of Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims around the world through religious rituals such as fasting from sunrise to sunset. Fasting restricts the consumption of food and liquid. In Islam, it is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month, which is significant to the practices. 

Ramadan begins depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, which was spotted on February 28th. 

Ramadan is for Muslims to build a relationship with God. Junior Hamza Ahmad feels that creating a bond helps his faith.

“It’s a good way to connect back with God. If you’ve been lacking in earlier times, you can make your connection stronger,” Ahmad said. 

In addition, Senior Lana Hamed believes Ramadan teaches Muslims to be thankful. 

“It’s [about] realizing what those that aren’t as fortunate are going through at all times. What we have to do for a month, they have to do for their entire lives,” Hamed said. 

Despite Ramadan only lasting a month, it is crucial to carry on newly acquired good deeds. 

“[Throughout the month] I try to clean up my habits and be the best person I can be. I also try to follow through with those habits even when it’s over,” Hamed said. 

The day starts before sunrise, where Muslims eat an early breakfast, Suhoor. This meal consists of light foods such as bread, hummus, and samosas.

“My mom likes to do traditional foods like yogurt and pita bread, but I just do frozen waffles,” said Hamed. 

Once the first Athan (call to prayer) rings, fasting begins. The time between prayer and going to school is an ideal time to study, which Freshman Yousef Zaytoun said he is going to try and take advantage of this year.

“I don’t like going back to sleep. Last year I just stayed up on my phone, but this year I’m going to try to study,” Zaytoun said.             

Although Ramadan is an exciting month that Muslims look forward to, it comes with struggles. Going to school and participating in after school sports increases the pressure  of giving in and breaking one’s fast. Sophomore Aisha Osman doesn’t play any sports, but her brother, alumni Mascuud Osman, did.

“My brother used to be a wrestler, [and] he used to still go to practice. He was insane, he’d say ‘It’s just the discipline I got,’” Osman said. 

As an athlete, Ahmad says he sometimes has to find creative ways to stay in the game.

“Sometimes during sports, I rinse my mouth out with water.” Ahmad said. 

 The cafeteria during lunch can be tempting, but Summit students resist the urge. Several students choose to spend their time at the library while others don’t mind being around food.

“Going to school [is my biggest struggle] everyone asks ‘Dude, you can’t even drink water?’ I go to lunch, I just don’t eat. I’ve gotten used to [being around food] because of the amount of mukbangs I watch [during Ramadan],” Zaytoun said.

During this month, every household prepares a feast for the breaking-fast meal, Iftar. Traditionally, once the Athan rings, Muslims will break their fast with a date. Popular foods on the table consist of lentil soup, a variety of rice, and chai.  

“I love maqloobeh. It’s basically translated to upside down. You put potatoes, rice, and other veggies [at the bottom of the pot] then flip it right before you eat it.” Hamed said

After Iftar, Muslims enjoy spending time with their family in different ways. Some offer a voluntary prayer, Taraweeh. About fifteen minutes longer than the five daily prayers, Taraweeh is usually prayed at the Mosque.

“My favorite part of Ramadan are the late night Taraweehs. Sometimes [my family and I] eat ice cream afterwards,” Ahmad said.

Many families choose to bond over TV shows reflecting good actions. 

“Every year [after Iftar] we watch this Somali show called Hoo Hadiyad and it means ‘To give gifts.’ It’s basically a group going around Somalia and quizzing people on Islamic trivia then giving them gifts,” Osman said.

Muslim families love to decorate their homes. Some add lights to the outside of their homes while others decorate their living room with streamers and signs. 

“My mom always has lights. It’s almost like Christmas lights but it’s Ramadan [inspired]. We [also] have a calendar with stars,” Hamed said. 

To celebrate their hard work and accomplishments, a festival is held at the end of the month. This year, Eid lands on the evening of March 29th, where Muslims dress in their best clothing to symbolize cleanliness and begin the first of the three days of festivals with a prayer. 

“[I’m going to wear] the classic Dishdasha to Eid prayer, and after I’ll probably just wear a suit,” Zaytoun said.

A Dishdahsa is an Arab robe-like garment worn by men on special occasions.

“[This year, I’m wearing] a cute white dress with blue flowers because I was planning on wearing it for senior photos but I’m so glad I saved it because shopping for Eid is difficult. Everything is either super expensive or takes forever to ship especially because there’s nothing I can wear at malls so I always have to order online,” Hamed said.

Traditionally, kids are given money from their parents and elders. This money is called ‘Eidi’ and comes in bills as high as the fifties. 

“We used to do presents [when we were younger], but recently it’s just some cash,” Ahmad said.

After the prayer Osman’s family likes to celebrate through games and food.

“Most years we go to an arcade. Last Eid every Muslim I knew was at the arcade. [We also] go to Golden Crown, it’s a buffet,” Osman said.

Ultimately, Ramadan is a month of forgiving and restraining for Muslims. This holiday is important to be educated on, especially with its diverse observations.

“I love learning about other people’s cultures and religions, so I hope people can learn about mine,” Hamed said.