Students, Staff Celebrate Ramadan

Ramadan is a spiritual month that Muslims take part in. During the month where it is believed that the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam (peace be upon him) on Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power), Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which gets pushed around two weeks earlier every year. Not only do Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset all Ramadan, they spend time getting closer to God and reconnecting with their religion. 

A universal comfort for Ramadan is felt towards the traditions that go along with it. Science teacher Adalah Jawabrah said, “Some Ramadan traditions are Iftar (breakfast at sunset), Suhoor (eating early before dawn), reciting Quran, and Taraweeh (voluntary night prayer performed during Ramadan).” 

Iftar is the time of day when Muslims break their fast at sunset. For Muslims, it is not only the time the sun sets, but it is also Maghrib, the fourth of five obligatory daily prayers that marks the beginning of the night. Suhoor is the act of eating right before Fajr, the first of four prayers signaling the sunrise. Fajr marks the start time for fasting so once Fajr Athans (call to prayer), no food or drinks are to be consumed until Iftar. Suhoor is not obligatory, but it is a Sunnah (tradition) of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, meaning all who wake up to eat right before Fajr are following in the Prophet’s footsteps and are obtaining extra rewards on top of their Ramadan fasting.

Many students at Nutley High celebrate Ramadan. Junior Sadine Ahmad said, “I celebrate Ramadan because it is not only a part of my religion but also something that I have grown to like more and more over the years. To me it means a month of calm, tranquility, and togetherness. It really makes people appreciate the things they have, and, in today's world, I feel as though it is extremely important."

“I think Ramadan is an important month because during this month we don’t just fast from food and drink, but we also avoid negative behaviors and thoughts. It is also a time to discipline our spirit and pay attention to those who are less fortunate,” Jawabrah said. 

Freshman Miral Jaber said, “It lets me think about the people. I sometimes don’t think when I throw away my food. When Ramadan comes, it really makes me feel guilty.”

“I think it is important for Muslims to celebrate Ramadan because it brings people closer to their faith and really gives people (regardless of religion) a moment to be humble, appreciate the things they take for granted, and grow as a human,” Ahmad said. 

Obviously with no food or water, it is harder to concentrate on school than normal. “Ramadan affects school for me by making me a little more tired than usual. Since I don't have my lunch break to refuel on food, I feel a little more tired when I come home from school and throughout the day,” Ahmad said. 

Ramadan and Eid, the holiday after Ramadan to celebrate the month as a whole, are widely known across the world but some students think that there are many more things schools could do to support students and teachers who go through the school day fasting and leaving for Eid. 

“Some of the things that I believe our school could do to support students who fast during Ramadan are offering alternative lunch time spaces, designated prayer areas, and consider adjusting physical activity expectations,” Jawabrah said. 

“I think that the school should raise more awareness of the month of Ramadan to allow teachers and students to learn more about the holiday if they wish and understand that there are people who are observing this holiday. I also strongly feel that the school should give everyone days off on Eid just like they do for the Christian and Jewish holidays since having to take days off means assignments piling up and not being able to fully enjoy my holiday,” Ahmad said. 

Ramadan and Eid are beautiful holidays with rich histories that allow Muslims to get closer to their religion but also to try and strive to be the best versions of themselves. Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak!