The Beauty of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the most religious ones, this year it took place from April 23 – May 23. Ramadan is a holy month that consists of strict fasting from sunrise till sunset, no water or food. 

The reason Muslims fast from sunrise till sunset for a whole month is to humble us, calm us down, and remind us how grateful we are. At the end of the month, everyone celebrates Eid which is the day after the last day of fasting, and people usually celebrate with family members by eating during the day time.

Ramadan takes place once a year, but the difference between each year is that as a year passes by, the start of Ramadan backs up 10 days. This system has pros and cons to it. One can fast during the summertime from sunrise (5 a.m.) till sunset which is around 8 p.m. during daylight savings, or from sunrise till 5 p.m. which is when daylight savings does not take place.

I love waking up on the morning of Eid, just knowing I can drink water and eat before sunset. Sometimes I forget I can eat because the body gets used to not eating during the day. The day of Eid is filled with laughter, family, and joy all around.

People sometimes get up in the middle of the night to drink water or eat a small meal, this is called “Suhur”. I don’t usually do this, because I can’t wake up, even if I have an alarm set.

I recommend that people try fasting for a day because it shows a person that they are grateful for everything they have and humbles the person. It can be hard but after you are able to eat and drink when the sun sets, you will be like “wow I just did this”. Your body will get used to it and will become easier as the days go by.

Bruno Bustamante, a junior and the Online Editor for the Wolfpack Times said he wanted to do it and did it the next day, he said “ There were some points where I wanted to break my fast but I wanted to commit to experiencing a whole day. Once I broke my fast when the sunset, I drank water. “I felt very accomplished”.

The month of Ramadan brings everyone together: one month, many participants, many experiences, the best part is when everyone gathers on Eid to celebrate, but unfortunately this year that isn’t happening. I am still thankful to be spending Eid with my family at home. Happy Eid to everyone.