Celebrating Ramadan in College
Words by Annisha Singh
Photo Courtesy of Aliyah Ghany
Ramadan, which is considered a holy month for those who practice Islam, is coming to a close. An important part of Ramadan is fasting. Because of the changes in weather, going to school and/or work, it’s sometimes a challenge to fast while partaking in regular routines. However, many are able to push through and practice fasting for Ramadan.
During this month, Muslims take time to reflect on themselves, their religion, and God. Many read the holy book (The Quran), try to learn more about Islam, and form deeper connections with others and themselves. During daylight hours, there’s no eating or drinking, including water. Ramadan happens depending on the Islamic holy calendar, with the holiday occurring this year in April.
City College student Khadija Ali is one of many students who are currently fasting. “I wake up early and therefore get to school early which is rare for me as I am always late,” she said. She gains subtle benefits by having to change up her normal schedule. She’s also become more productive, specifically with her assignments: “I’m not constantly thinking of what I’ll have for lunch, and get more time to finish my assignments throughout the day.”
Another City College student, Taslima Begum, had a similar perspective on fasting, saying, “There is a bit more productivity because I’m forced to be on a routine and am held accountable to my work.”
However, there are struggles, including a lack of energy. Khadija said, “I barely get any sleep because I wake up early for Suhur, and don't focus well in class.” Suhur is essentially breakfast or the last meal a person has before they pray and before fasting begins for the day. “I feel constantly hungry and thirsty throughout the day which makes me dull, and I am less likely to participate in class,” she added. “I usually just laze around because I can’t think properly,” said Taslima. Hunter College student Aliyah Ghany had a similar response to both saying, “sometimes it’s hard to concentrate in class.”
It’s not only difficult being in school, but also traveling to get there. Taslima said, “I feel very lethargic whenever I travel to school, especially with it [City College] being two hours away from my home.” Aliyah said one of her biggest struggles is to get up early and to stay up, or even if she goes back to sleep having to wake up again. “Sometimes you wish you didn’t have to wake up for school,” she joked.
Also, some students still have class when it’s time to break their fast. Aliyah’s last class meets at that time, but thankfully her professor records the lectures. It’s hard for her to focus and eat at the same time, so it’s helpful that she’s able to miss the class and watch the lecture at another time. However, not everyone can relate, Khadija also has night classes, but they’re in-person, so she has to break her fast by herself at school. Most families cook a big meal to eat after they break their fast and then pray. While her family breaks their fast together, Khadija is still in class and has to travel home after.
However, through all the rough patches, people gain a lot from Ramadan. Aliyah said, “This is one of my best years of fasting.” She admitted, “there’s a lot of work, but I don’t want to sacrifice religion for school, and maintaining a balance between both is hard.” What keeps her going is the personal reward she gets out of the end of fasting. “Things that are so important to us at a moment, after [fasting] you realize don't matter as much” she said. Khadija had a similar perspective saying “I get to reflect and be mindful of the less fortunate who face challenges [like] hunger on a daily basis.”
New doors have even opened. Khadija’s developed new friendships and respect for people. She says, “teachers become more understanding during this month and are more helpful and forgiving of assignments.” Also, while she prays in school it has open the door to interacting with more Muslim students who are fasting alongside her.
They’re not the only ones that get that feeling out of this month, as a lot of Muslims have that same experience after Ramadan is over. It’s a time to learn more about others, God, and in some ways, try and become a better person. Then at the end of Ramadan, families get together to celebrate Eid, where they gather, eat, and reflect on everything that’s happened to them in that time.
