Thursday, May 17, was the first day of Ramadan and Wednesday was the first night. It is a holy month for Muslims all around the world and is all about spirituality and getting in touch with oneself. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, staying away from food and water.

Every day of the month, Muslims fast for the majority of the day. There are 2 main meals: Suhoor, where Muslims wake up before sunrise to gorge themselves with as much food as they can carry while still half asleep, and Iftar, the meal just after sunset where the fast is broken. The purpose of the fast is to draw people’s focus away from materialistic and worldly things and have time to reflect on themselves and their relationship with God. It also helps them to practice self-control.

A Muslim student at Niles North, who has chosen to remain anonymous, said, “You would think fasting is really bad, but it’s actually pretty easy, you don’t really feel anything until the last hour or so. It really helps me clear my mind too and… I found that I have a lot more free time to focus on other stuff.”

A lot of Muslim students are fasting right now, even with finals coming up. It is a pretty amazing feat, and you can help them by being supportive and staying informed. Don’t feel too cautious though, since people really don’t mind if you eat near them. You don’t have to feel obligated to fast with your Muslim friends, just make sure they know you support them!

Ramadan Mubarak!