In Consideration of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is of great religious significance, in which the doors of Paradise are opened, and fasting fully cleanses sins, sins, and sins, for which Muslims are grateful to the poor and needy. There is also the night of Qadr, which is considered by believers as better than a thousand months, where angels descend on the earth and open the doors of heaven for the needy and those who pray for God. In addition, the month of Ramadan is characterized by Taraweeh prayer, which brings the slave closer to God and makes him quick to obtain his satisfaction and love. This is a positive reflection on the life of a Muslim. He prepares for him the means of happiness, reconciliation, comfort, and satisfaction. He also opens the doors of good and sustenance to him.

During this holy month, the hardest thing to endure is fasting at school; this is my experience during Ramadan. I have to wake up at 3 am to eat and drink something before I start fasting. I go back to sleep at 4 am, then wake up at 7 to get ready for school. From first period until fourth period I don’t feel anything. I start getting hungry and thirsty by fifth period. I can't even focus on my classes. By ninth period I may be done, but I am exhausted. My mom picks me up because I can’t walk home. Then I take a long a really long nap after school.

What is useful during Ramadan is when teachers pay a bit of special attention so that I can stay focused on the class or when they give me a little more time to finish work since it is hard for me. What each Muslim student, including myself, needs is support during the month of Ramadan in the following forms: understanding, space, rest (especially from physical activity) and empathy. This sounds a bit easy, but having empathy requires one to truly understand the other person’s situation and feelings.

While some schools do not provide accommodations for Muslim students during Ramadan, ours is supportive. Anyone who is fasting can go to the library during lunch so they don’t have to be jealous of others or break their fast due to temptations in the lunchroom. In gym, students don’t have to participate in the primary tasks, they can walk instead.

Still, when planning school activities and events, it is important to think about how it’ll impact Muslim students. Teachers can make accommodations for practicing students, such as assigning a different task/project for students to complete that does not require them to do any strenuous work while they’re fasting or allowing them some extra time on difficult assignments. Ramadan is an important time for those of this faith, it is a time for reflection and a time for community, which includes our school.