DURING the month of Ramadan Muslims all around the globe share a special tradition where they take time to focus on their religion and become closer to Islam.
Adna Talic (10) “I feel good about this Ramadan, it can be hard because I am an athlete doing track, so it can be hard doing both, but I’m feeling pretty good so far. I hope to pray more during Ramadan and fast for the whole month,” Talic said. During Ramadan, fasting means being unable to eat from dusk till dawn, so Talic will have to race without eating or drinking anything after a very early breakfast! Good job to anyone fasting this Ramadan.
It’s a time for sacrificing some of the luxury things that some may have, and some may not such as food, water, and music. These are some enjoyments Muslims try to hold back during this month. Ramadan sounds hard and boring; however, Ramadan creates a sense of priority and sensibility.
“I am so excited for Eid and to spend time with family and friends. I don’t have my dress picked out but hopefully soon enough,” Talic said.
Many students find Ramadan exciting but hard, especially because of sports or other extracurricular activities. It is nice to know that Granger has a great support system for such a month such as prayer passes and a room set aside where students may pray during school.
“I feel like this Ramadan has been hard because of the goals I set for myself but also goals that I’m going to take out of Ramadan and not only during Ramadan.” Ahlam Elnoor (11) said.
“This Ramadan I’ve learned more about myself overall and learned to control myself and my emotions, rather than acting upon my desires,” Elnoor said.
Ramadan is a month to celebrate accomplishments but also try and improve on other habits.
“This Ramadan I want to fix some of the bad habits I have, I want to get out of a routine where I do something for the sake of Ramadan, like praying on time or being overly nice, I want to continue these habits outside of Ramadan,” Elnoor said. “I am so excited for Eid, it’s hard finding an outfit right now, everything is sold out, But I’m honestly so excited Eid is a time when you spend time with family and express your gratitude for Ramadan. It’s fun seeing everyone happy and enjoying time with their families,” she said.
Ramadan is a great month to learn to control desires and adjust habits or even add a habit or two. Aliyah Afridi (9) agrees. “This Ramadan and fasting isn’t too hard, it feels like any other month, it’s going by fast,” Alfridi said. Alfridi says; “This Ramadan I want to become a better person and become closer to my religion. At Granger I feel seen and recognized, I know I’m not alone and that there are many other Muslims who also participate in Ramadan. I’m very excited about Eid!” Alfridi said.
Muslims come together to celebrate Eid, a celebrational day marking the end of Ramadan. Many Muslim families gather and share joy and laughter. In some families, they also receive money.
Deksan Omar (11) enjoyed her Ramadan celebration this year. “I feel as this Ramadan is going by quite fast. However, I’m excited for the 10 days to come (Laylatul Qadr) since they are the most important days,” Omar said. Laylatul Qadr lands on one of the last 10 days of Ramadan, the specific day is unknown, however, Muslims make sure they are on their best behavior during these last 10 days, as any prayer Muslims make on the night of Laylatul Qadr will come true.
Omar recognizes the challenges fasting creates with its sudden night and day change to eating and times. “Ramadan can be hard because we don’t fast for a while until Ramadan comes, and then we randomly start fasting again, but Ramadan 2016 was harder so I can’t say anything. This Ramadan I want to try and finish the Quran by the end of summer. I wouldn’t say we are forced to fast. In order to fast, you have to be willing to fast. You must try your best to get closer to God,” Omar said.
