Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, marks a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and unity for Muslims all around the world. Beginning with the sighting of the crescent moon, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed as a time of fasting and prayers. In 2025 Ramadan started on March 1st and is expected to end on March 30th, depending on the moon sightings.
Fasting, also known as sawm in Arabic, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making Ramadan a requirement of the Muslim faith. From dawn until sunset, Muslims may not eat, drink, smoke, or engage in other needs, as an act of worship and self-control. Additionally, fasting is a big part of the Muslim faith because it teaches them to be empathetic to the less fortunate who deal with this every day. Usually, kids start fasting between 10-12 years old. Their fast is broken each sunset with iftar, a meal that is shared with family or friends, traditionally beginning with dates and water, followed by a full meal. Before dawn, Muslims eat suhoor, a pre-fast snack or meal that helps them get through the day. Malak Dweik, my friend from another school who is Muslim says, “I love going to the Mosque on Friday’s and staying for iftar and suhoor because it is always so fun to spend time with people, especially you [Gianna] since moving.”
Beyond fasting, Ramadan is a time for increased prayer, charity, and spirituality. Many Muslims dedicate themselves to reading the Quran, attending prayers at the Mosque, and performing charitable deeds. The last ten nights of Ramadan are especially important and sacred, as one unknown night is Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree), which it is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad making all worship during this time worth more than a thousand months of worship.
Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan in many ways, reflecting their cultural traditions blending with religious ones. In the Middle East, iftars at Mosques and dim yellow light streets create a festive atmosphere. In Western countries, Muslim communities organize prayers and Halaqat to promote understanding and unity.
For many, Ramadan is a challenging yet deeply fulfilling experience. It is a time of self-purification, gratitude, and connection, both with God and the community. As Muslims around the world begin their month of fasting, they do so with renewed faith and a spirit of generosity, knowing that Ramadan is not just about fasting, but about spiritual renewal and personal transformation.
While interviewing some students at HHS about what they know about Ramadan, many did not know much about it apart from the fact that they fast from dawn to sunset. Junior Tommy Hartnett says, “Ramadan is about fasting, but I don’t know anything else apart from that.” Hopefully, this article will help!
