Ramadan starts March 11 and ends April 9. During this time, Muslims all around the world are going to be fasting. I am one of those people and to say I am anxious would be an understatement. 

To give some background, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the most sacred times for Muslims. It is believed that Ramadan is the month when the Quran was sent down from Heaven to the prophet Muhammad. As a way to recognize God and build spirituality, Muslims fast not only from food and water but also from sin. 

I have been fasting for Ramadan for many years, and every year as the time gets closer, I get nervous – and excited. For Ramadan, I have to wake up before sunrise, around 5 a.m., and eat breakfast. Then, I can’t drink or eat anything until sunset, around 8 p.m. 

For students who are fasting, Ramadan overlaps with school, which can make it more difficult and tiring. Students still have to go about their regular schedule – just without being able to eat. It is especially difficult at lunch time, because we are sitting around so many people who are eating but we can’t. 

However,  I personally feel like having school at the same time allows me to distract myself from thinking about food. The hardest time for me is when I get home from school and I am just sitting at home, counting down the minutes until I can eat. 

Another part of Ramadan that many people don’t know as much about is our nightly prayers. Every night, prayer is held at mosques. While it isn’t mandatory to go to these prayers, I love it because I get to be around people who are sharing similar experiences with me during this time, and I get to hang out with my friends. Going to these prayers helps me fully understand the importance of this time. 

Eid happens the day after Ramadan ends to celebrate the month and everyone’s successful fasts. On Eid, it is a tradition to eat something sweet in the morning, before leaving for Eid Prayer. This signifies breaking the fast and signifies that Muslims are no longer fasting and can now enjoy the celebration. 

I love dressing up for Eid, getting presents, and being able to celebrate with all my friends and family.