What is the purpose of Ramadan? Why do people celebrate this holiday that lasts a month? What do Muslims celebrating Ramadan do? 

Ramadan is observed and celebrated by Muslims around the world for one month between February 28th and all the way through March 29th. 

For people who don’t know what Ramadan is or what it’s all about, It is considered to be one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. 

There are a lot of students from every grade at Osbourn High School who are Muslim and celebrate Ramadan. Ramadan is based on the appearance of the new crescent moon, which signifies the start of the month in the Islamic calender.

They are many students who started to celebrate this month-long holiday when they were little. Freshman Adam Khaleel said “I started to celebrate my whole life due to my religious beliefs.” 

Some would start at a later age. Freshman Keeran Khan said “Since I was a little kid, I started celebrating Ramadan since I was probably seven years old.” 

Some are even celebrating for the first time in the United States. “This is my first time celebrating Ramadan in America,” said Hina Akthar. 

At school, there is a designated room in the library, Room 1013, where students who are celebrating Ramadan can go to pray during their lunchtime. They are also allowed to stay in the library for their entire lunch period if they’re fasting.

Muslims fast during this month and abstain from food and drink from sunset and sunrise. It is a spiritual month where Muslims practice their faith. They also try to do good deeds, such as giving and donating to those in need. 

Freshman Keeran Khan said “I help out by helping out poor people since it’s a good thing to do during the month of Ramadan.”  They even like to give away their food to the people in their community. Eqan Aslam said “People who don’t fast must instead give a meal for each day they missed.”

During Ramadan, it is necessary to dress modestly and respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, and going for loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, especially in public areas. “I like to dress modestly more because I believe that you shouldn’t show a lot of skin,” said freshman Adam Khaleel.

After Ramadan ends, Muslims start off with a communal prayer, often at a mosque or an open space to mark the end of Ramadan. Once it is concluded, they celebrate Eid al-Fitr  (commonly known as just Eid). It is the festival celebrating breaking the fast and lasts for 3 days. It involves a big feast, and gift-giving to family and the poor.

In most countries (including the US) with large Muslim populations, Eid is an actual national holiday, with schools, offices, and other businesses often closed for a day to allow the celebrations.

Finally, to wish a Muslim student, friend, or acquaintance a happy Ramadan, you can say “Ramadan Mubarak,” which is Arabic for “Blessed Ramadan”  or “Happy Ramadan.” It is a way to show respect to them when they are celebrating.

Ramadan Mubarak and have a peaceful Ramadan!

Do you celebrate Ramadan? If so, what is your favorite aspect of Ramadan? Let us know in the comments!