by Emmerson Clark | staff writer

Ramadan officially started March 22 and Muslim students on campus are observing a time of fasting and reflection.

“Yes, [I struggle with Ramadan] especially here since I think we like fast, like 10 hours, and especially going to school, and then going back, and then having homework, and tests to study for, it’s hard,” sophomore Jumana Al Azzawi said. 

“It’s hard sometimes, especially here, because not a lot of people participate in it,” sophomore Raneem Henady said. 

During Ramadan, participants are required to fast from dawn until dusk. However, not all people have to fast, some people are allowed to abstain. For example, both small children and women on their periods are exempt from fasting. 

“Women that are breastfeeding, people who are flying, it’s not mandatory for them to fast,” Al Azzawai said. 

Ramadan isn’t only about fasting. It is also a time for getting in touch with religion and family, and helping those that are less fortunate. 

“We participate in community service,” Henady said. “We also read our holy book, the Quran, and I can just go to my religion and really connect more than usual.”

According to Al Azzawi, Ramadan is a fun and joyful time of year.

“I love Ramadan because I get to spend a lot of my time with my family and friends, and we get to go to the mosque and pray,” Al Azzawi said, “So it’s really fun and it’s just a really nice time.”