Every year, thousands of Muslims around the world come together to observe Ramdan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar holding a great significance to Niles North students and staff who celebrate.
At North, Muslim students observe the practice of fasting from dawn to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, and negative actions. While fasting can be challenging, especially with a busy school schedule, students find ways to balance their academic responsibilities and spiritual commitments.
“With the month of Ramadan approaching, I find that it is immensely important to observe a good balance between school and fasting,” junior Rubab Fatima said. “Something I’ve learned over the years is to take it slow and organize my days efficiently. With a well-planned day, I find that I am less anxious and don’t struggle throughout my days while fasting.”
During Ramadan, Muslims begin their day with Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal that provides energy for the day ahead, often containing nutritious foods like whole grains, fruits, and plenty of water. At sunset the fat is broken with Iftar, which typically starts with dates and water before moving onto larger meals. Both meals are deeply significant marking moments of reflection, family connection, and spiritual growth.
In addition to fasting, Ramadan is a time for night prayers, especially the Tahajjud prayer, which many Muslims offer in the early hours of morning seeking spiritual reflection. Muslims also engaged in increased charity, offering donations, and volunteer work to those in need. These practices are all aimed to strengthen faith, build community, and foster empathy throughout the month.
Balancing athletics and fasting during Ramadan can be challenging for student-athletes at North. PE classes and sports practices require energy, which can be tough from fasting from dawn to sunset. Despite the physical challenges, athletes remain determined and resilient.
“Badminton is a morning sport so practice starts at like 6:20. So what’s easy is that I’m already up because I have to fast so I eat until sunrise,” sophomore Haleema Malik said. “The thing about managing it, yeah I get thirsty a lot right. But it’s easier for me to think about how people were like long long ago, there would be war, and they’d still be fasting. So you know if I think about them, I’m like, ‘Okay a sport is really easy compared to what they were doing.’”
Malik also emphasizes that sports during Ramadan help foster connections by bringing people together, creating a sense of community even while fasting.
“Everybody who’s fasting on the team, we all bring something we can share,” Malik said. “It’s a very fun community, like you’re building friendships, you’re eating together, and that’s what’s fun. Cause at the end of the day you’re all tired but you still eat together, fast together, it’s an experience, that’s what I like about it.”
For many students Ramadan is about deepening their connection to faith through prayer. Niles North Muslim Student Association (MSA) provides a space for students to pray during the school day, helping them maintain their spiritual practices while staying engaged with their studies.
“Niles North MSA does a great job on helping students by having a designated area for students to pray during school,” sophomore Saad Mustafa said. “They don’t only have this during Ramadan but throughout the whole school year. This is very beneficial and convenient for students to complete their prayers without any trouble.”
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festive day that marks the end of Ramadan. The celebration is filled with family gatherings, special prayers, and the exchange of gifts. For North students Eid is an opportunity to take a break from school and spend time with family and friends.
“Eid is very special to people in many different ways. I like spending time with my family, going out to eat, and getting gifts,” Mustafa said. “My favorite thing about Eid is going to pray in the morning.”
Ramadan at North highlights the dedication and strength of Muslim students as they balance their academic responsibilities and religious obligations. As students engage in these practices they help foster an environment of shared understanding that enriches the school community.
If you know someone observing Ramadan, be sure to wish them Ramadan Mubarak!
