Ramadan, the month that Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and engage in increased prayer, charity, and acts of kindness, starts on March 23, 2023, and lasts for 30 days.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is a time of spiritual reflection and devotion for Muslims around the world. It is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by more than a billion Muslims worldwide.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the five basic acts of worship considered mandatory for Muslims. It is a way for Muslims to demonstrate their submission to Allah and their commitment to the faith.

“You’re supposed to do it to feel like the people who don’t always have a meal or drink to have…and to purify yourself in a way,” Muhammad Aljabiri, a Muslim senior at Tracy High, explained. “I do it because God tells me to.”

Aljabiri believes in fasting as a way to respect his religion and he uses Ramadan as a period to spend time with his family and visit the mosque more often to get closer to Allah (God).

Another Muslim senior at Tracy High, Noor Chishti, echoes this idea of sacrifice during Ramadan to feel what less fortunate people experience.

“When you fast, everybody’s on the same level, no one is superior and no one is inferior,” Chishti stated.

Fasting can present difficulties for many Muslims at this time. Aljabiri is on the varsity Boys’ Volleyball team at Tracy High, which can be a challenge to participate in during Ramadan.

“Last year it affected me; I was very thirsty. My throat was sore during the game, but I knew after the game I would be able to drink water,” Aljabiri said. “You still just have to try your hardest as well as go through the pain of it.”

Many Muslims have a similar experience since they are unable to eat or drink for about twelve hours out of their day.

“I’ve gotten used to it but it affects my physical state because I like to drink so I’m more dehydrated and tired,” Chishti added. “There’s the possibility of fainting because of the loss of electrolytes, but you just have to push through.”

Even though they face many challenges throughout the month of fasting, they know at the end of the day that fasting is very beneficial.

Many non-Muslim students like to support their Muslim friends by fasting with them for a few days during Ramadan.

Tracy High School students are well-educated and are motivated to be supportive of their Muslim friends during Ramadan despite the hardships they might face.

Maya Panjwani, a senior at Tracy High School, believes the best way to encourage their Muslim friends during Ramadan is to be patient and supportive of their fasting practices.

“I would be willing to try fasting for my Muslim friends if that means I could support them,” Panjwani said.

Avneet Sidhu, another non-Muslim senior at Tracy High, believes that Ramadan brings individuals closer to their faith.

“For Muslims, I think Ramadan means that they are getting closer to their religion,” Sidhu stated.

Sidhu grew up with Muslims who took part in Ramadan, so she is aware that women do not have to fast during their monthly menstrual cycle.

By observing Ramadan, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to the faith and strive to become better people both spiritually and morally.

The end of Ramadan is marked by a three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr. Muslims take part  in special prayers, gifts, and feasts during this time.

It is a time of joy and celebration, and it is a way for Muslims to express gratitude to Allah for the blessings they have received.

Ramadan Mubarak.

(Happy Ramadan)