On March 22nd, students around campus stopped eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Though this might seem strange, it is a yearly occurrence for not just Muslims at Seminole High School (SHS) but around the world. 

Every year Muslims start fasting from sunrise to sunset for thirty days. This period of fasting is because of the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and falls on different dates every year. This year Ramadan started on March 22nd and is expected to end around April 21st. 

Muslim students at SHS reflect on what fasting and this holy month means to them. Liyana Ahmed, an IB sophomore here at SHS, says: “Fasting during Ramadan is important to me because it helps me feel more connected with my religion and culture. It helps me feel closer with my other Muslim friends and feel less alone because even if I’m struggling, we struggle together. I encourage everyone to try fasting regardless of their religion because it’s a good experience and a good challenge that helps you feel connection and empathy with others.” 

Another SHS IB sophomore Zia Ali adds on to this. “Ramadan, to me, means delicious food. Ramadan is the time of the year when my mom  makes fried foods like spring rolls, kebabs and lots of other foods. But it’s also so much more than the food. It’s a time where I’m hyper conscious about my actions and that in turn makes me a better person. Ramadan to me, is the time when I’m a purer, happier person and better connected with people. at school you’re all fasting together and getting through the long school days as one. Ramadan is tiring but also it’s so rewarding. I’m refraining from my bad habits and after the month those bad habits stay away.”

Muslims fast for a number of reasons. On the health side of it, fasting helps to prompt blood sugar control, an improved cardiovascular system, boost brain functions, and more. On a religious side, fasting helps to encourage and instill humility. Feeling hungry allows one to experience how it is for those who are less fortunate. This encourages donations to charities and to do more for your community in order to help others in need. Fasting also increases God consciousness and makes Muslim’s beliefs stronger. In addition, it also establishes good habits. Fasting helps develop self control, patience, and discipline, all of which are important qualities to have. 

On Monday 17th, 2023, The Muslim Student Association (MSA) hosted an unity iftar (the meal you eat to break your fast) for all SHS students, including non Muslims. The point of this event was to bring together the students of Seminole with some games, sports, and more. IB senior Jabir Dhalla speaks about the unity iftar and his time at MSA in general. “The purpose of the Unity Iftar event was to bring together our community over some tasty food and games. As an officer, it was rewarding to see my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters bonding over our shared beliefs. As the event was going on, it reminded me of why I joined MSA in the first place. MSA is so much more than a club you put on your college applications. It’s about bringing together people with the same beliefs and creating strong bonds. Ramadan can be a little stressful but having events like this one reminds everyone why we are fasting in the first place and knowing we are not alone in our struggles. As I graduate this year, I hope that MSA continues to have these types of events and continues to grow every year. I hope that each year the events just continue to get better and that the events we have done are used as a blueprint to create improved, more exciting events.”

Ramadan is a religious time and holds a special place in the hearts of all Muslims. As Eid celebrations come to start, Muslims hope to continue the good habits they started during the holy month. As Ramadan comes to an end, make sure to wish your fellow Muslims an Eid Mubarak.