Since the first day of Ramadan on Feb. 28, questions may arise about what to do or what to say to a friend or neighbor observing Ramadan. For many Muslim students on and off campus, Ramadan is an important month-long holiday that shows their dedication to Allah.
UH English student Betül Nas Bolat described Ramadan as the holiest month of each year. This holiday allows Muslims to honor the Islamic traditions and customs while upholding the importance of their religion.
“The Islamic Lunar calendar, also known as the ‘Hijri’ calendar, moves 10 days backward every year, and the ninth month is the month of ‘Ramadan,’” said Bolat. “The old-fashioned way of ‘sighting the crescent moon’ marks the official first day of this month.”
Many of the Islamic practices that our peers may practice annually include fasting, resisting temptation, performing good deeds and prayer. Those who do not celebrate Ramadan may not be familiar with the deeper understanding of committing to these practices.
“All [nonexempt] Muslims fast from [dawn to dusk] for 29-30 days. An exception is made for some Muslims including children, those who have medical reasons not to fast, or are pregnant,” said Bolat. “…Muslims refrain from eating and drinking, but also backbiting, swearing, negativity, and lustful desires such as sexual intimacy, smoking, and certain types of music.
Meals are offered to Muslims during the times it is acceptable to eat, such as the “suhoor” for dawn meals and the “iftar” for evening meals. After each iftar, Muslims participate in a congregated prayer called the “tarawih” where they recite the Quran in its entirety throughout the month.
Ramadan is a time for Muslims to remind them of the duties to fulfill as they follow Islamic teachings, including reading the Quran. While this month-long celebration may appear laborious for non-Muslims, Muslims see it as a way to center the community rather than oneself and practice selfless actions to fulfill one’s mind and soul.
So, what should we do? How can we support someone who only wants to fulfill this mission? Bolat shares many suggestions around showing sensitivity and compassion towards people who may be fasting.
“Offering food or drinking water in front of someone who is fasting if an accident is okay, but of course if you know they are fasting, then it’s respectful to limit or at least ask if they are okay with you eating and drinking in front of them,” said Bolat.
She has advised against making certain comments toward people who are fasting such as “you must be so hungry/thirsty!” or “a little sip/bite won’t hurt, I won’t tell Allah!” It is also deemed inappropriate to ask why one might not be fasting for Ramadan, for there are some exceptions and reasons that may be personal.
To greet someone who is celebrating Ramadan, you can learn cultural phrases such as “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem,” which translates to “Blessed Ramadan” or “Generous Ramadan.” “Happy Ramadan” in English is also acceptable. “It’s such a warm feeling when someone who doesn’t celebrate the holiday remembers and acknowledges it,” said Bolat.
It is also important to acknowledge that once the month of Ramadan ends, the celebration does not stop. Eid al-Fitr is a grand festivity where all Muslims join in a prayer to thank Allah, and they are able to eat during the day again. In Muslim American culture, everyone often receives donuts after their prayer.
Do not assume that Muslims are only longing for the day to eat again. Some may be sad that Ramadan has come to an end. As Bolat has stated, “We are reminded of those who experience hunger and have less than us and become stronger as an ‘ummah’ (Muslim community) in our faith and our dedication to Islam.”
UHD students can also reach out to organizations like the Muslim Student Association for any questions regarding the practices of Ramadan and how to be a supportive gator. Students can receive updates on future events from their Instagram.
MSA will host a grand iftar for Muslims celebrating Ramadan on the third floor of the Academic Building, room A300. The event will take place on March 17 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
