Ramadan: a month of culture, tradition, and community

How Ramadan is celebrated and practiced at Northview High School

Design by Sonya Pandya, Allen Liu & Manha Survery

Allen Liu, Copy Editor & Manha Survery

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Arabic calendar, is a sacred time in which Muslims focus on fasting from dusk to dawn, community, prayers, and reflection. This year, Ramadan began on the evening of Feb. 28 and will end on March 29. 

During Ramadan, those who fast wake up for suhoor before sunrise. Some people go back to sleep, while others stay awake. They continue their day as usual, pausing only for prayers. At Maghreb prayer, they break their fast with iftar. Traditionally, Ramadan is a time for gatherings like parties, mosque sessions, and Suhoor events. Community is a central part of the month, offering support and helping those in need.

"I like that the community gets together more and bonds during Ramadan. Our families get together and eat together, and then go to the masjid or the mosque," Habiba Shakwir, a muslim student at Northview High School, said. "The community comes together and gives to the people in need."

Islam also has ties to Northview that extend beyond the holy month. The Muslim student body at Northview has long been a staple in our academics, sports, and school culture. Specifically, the Muslim Student Association has grown leagues since its inception and now hosts numerous activities and celebrations, furthering the bond between our communities. The Muslim Student Association gives a place for muslims to come together and hang out, and not only be around people who share the same religion, but who are also the same ethnicity as them.

"When I came to Northview in my freshman year, I was welcomed by friendly seniors who helped me adapt and get comfortable in being Muslim in high school," Sharif Nabulsi, the upperclassmen representative for MSA, said. "The Northview MSA would host iftar events and invite 15+ schools which is where I've met my closest Muslim friends today." 

Although there is boundless encouragement and motivation from peers and teachers at Northview, Ramadan still represents a physical and mental struggle. The month's rigorous regimen takes a toll on students as it forces them to juggle religious duties alongside school and extracurriculars.

"When I first began playing soccer, fasting made it extremely difficult to perform with the same energy output. However, it got progressively easier after a couple of years of getting used to it. This year for Ramadan, I would put everything aside until I break my fast." Nabulsi said.

Regardless, Ramadan represents one of the principal opportunities for students to embrace Islam and deepen their knowledge of it overall. The regimen not only reinforces lessons previously taught but introduces new ones that will stick with followers for the rest of their lives.

"Ramadan is supposed to be a month of gratefulness where you reflect on people who don't have the option to eat or drink. So this Ramadan has taught me to be thankful for what I have and appreciate not having to worry about the possibility of not eating for my next meal." Nabulsi said.