Millions across the world turned to the sky tonight, awaiting the first sighting of the new crescent moon. As the pale white glow emerged from the clouds and replaced the setting sun, cheers erupted, and people rushed to make preparations for Ramadan. 

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Muslim calendar, will take place this year from Mar. 10 to Apr. 9. Over the thirty days, those who are physically able will fast from sunrise to sunset, fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam, sawm. 

Traditionally, observers begin their day with prayer and suhoor, a morning meal. In the evening, Muslims typically break their fast and begin the evening iftar meal by eating a date, as is sunnah, or the way of the Prophet Muhammad.

Fasting can physically wear on the body. Low energy from disrupted meals can compound drowsiness after staying up to pray taraweeh, the specialized evening prayer. Sophomore Judi Abdelrazik, who fasts every Ramadan, spoke to these hurdles for observant students at Harker. 

“It’s always been really easy for me, prayers and fasting, until [high school],” Judi said. “With a lot more schoolwork, it’s harder to pray taraweeh at night. With tests, I have to fast accordingly. Tests take priority over fasting, because I can’t retake tests.”

Upper school English teacher and diversity leader Susanne Salhab recommended students communicate with teachers regarding these challenges. 

“Teachers should let their students know that if anyone plans to fast Ramadan they should reach out to their instructors,” Salhab said, “If a Muslim student comes forward, teachers could ask how they could best support the student during the month and perhaps consider allowing fasting students to take assessments in the morning and offer some leniency with deadlines.”

The month contains many significant events in the Muslim calendar, like Laylat al-Qadr, the “Night of Power.” The holiday, which occurs midway through Ramadan, commemorates the day Gabriel revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammed. Salhab said she celebrated Laylat al-Qadr for the first time while living in Jerusalem in eleventh grade.

“One of the most incredible moments of my life emerged during the Laylat al-Qadr,” Salhab said. “My family and I, along with thousands of people prayed in the third holiest site in Islam, the Dome of the Rock. I’ll never forget the experience. To see everyone praying together, in unison, was such a powerful moment.”

Ramadan culminates with Eid al-Fitr on the final day of fasting, one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. People celebrate Eid differently all over the world, but common themes center around community, family and charity, a pillar of Islam. 

Muslim Students Association Co-President Reza Jalil (12) celebrates Eid each year. 

“It’s more than a family, it’s a community event,” Reza said. “A lot of these people we only meet at events like these, so it’s really fun to get to see them. After all the fasting, and all the hardship, you get to celebrate together. Everyone is always looking forward to the party.” 

Fellow MSA Co-President Minal Jalil (10) echoed Reza’s sentiment, emphasizing her connection to her community during Ramadan. 

“I definitely feel most connected to Islam and my identity as Muslim during Ramadan,” Minal said. “Fasting is something that consumes your whole day. You’re not constantly thinking about not eating, but it’s something you have to be aware about all day. Praying more often, [doing] everything that you’ve been taught to do when you were younger; I just feel very connected.”

This story was originally published on Harker Aquila on March 10, 2024.