The holy month of Ramadan allows Muslims the opportunity to fast from sunrise to sunset for thirty days. Muslims follow a lunar calendar, and each fast lasts from Fajr to Maghrib (both prayer times). We must abstain from eating or drinking, alongside other goals, which takes a lot of willpower and effort. During this month of Ramadan, there are multiple ways for students to support their Muslim peers.
- Wish them well by using terms such as “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem”
Such simple well-wishings can go a long way. Both of these terms go beyond just saying “Happy Ramadan,” since it shows how you are trying to empathize with their religion. Learning these two words shows how you are making an effort to understand aspects of our culture.
- Familiarize yourself with some of the terminology
Be curious! We encourage you guys to ask questions about the month. It’s best to become educated rather than stay clueless. It truly does mean a lot to us. Some of the terms include suhoor/sehri (the meal before we begin our fast), iftar (the meal that breaks our fast) and namaaz/salat (prayer). (The different words indicate the different languages)
- Avoid comparing Ramadan to other religious practices
Each religion has their own unique ways to honor their faith. Ramadan is a celebration connected with Islam, and it’s best not to compare it to other religions and their festivities. Every religion has their separate practices, and comparisons are unnecessary.
- With their consent, help keep them accountable of their goals for the month, even those that are not food related.
Nobody is perfect. The month of Ramadan goes beyond just abstaining from eating and drinking. If your friend is about to take a sip of water (only remind them about this if you know they are fasting), or they accidentally say a curse word, just remind them in a polite way about their goals.
- Be considerate of their energy levels
We wake up at 5 am to start our fast, pray, complete a full day of school, go to sports, work with our clubs and then, finally, head home at sunset to eat iftar. We’re sorry if we are a bit crabby in the afternoon or dozing off in class.
- Be flexible with their schedules
Similar to number six, try to plan hang outs with your friends after iftar and prayer times. It is difficult to have enough energy for plans during the daytime, and at least for me, I feel a lot more energized after I’ve eaten some food. After the final prayer, Isha, we also have optional taraweeh, where we go to the mosque and pray in groups, which further busies our schedules.
- Educate yourself on the prayer times of Ramadan
In Islam, there are five main prayers throughout the day: Fajr (sunrise/morning), Zuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset/evening) and Isha (nighttime). Some Muslims make up these prayers after school. The traditions of Ramadan include spending additional time with family and eating dates to break our fast.
- Join them for iftars and bring halal food
You don’t have to be Muslim to attend an iftar! In Islam, community is fundamental for Muslims as many choose to break their fasts together. Bringing halal food also shows your consideration, such as samosas, pakoras or even fruit salad! However, the most important thing is your support of your friends. If you really want to go the extra mile, host an iftar!
- Don’t ask a Muslim why they are not fasting
Exemptions from fasting do exist as this 12 hour fast is definitely not easy to complete. Asking someone why they are eating during the month makes it awkward, since there are many reasons why someone may not participate. Also, making up fasts after Ramadan is over is also an option.
- Don’t constantly question if they are hungry or thirsty
It’s a pretty unhelpful question to ask your friends. Even though your intentions may be good-natured, it’s always best to avoid talking about food and drinks in front of your Muslim friends. If you accidentally ask them, just apologize and make sure to be more conscious about this issue.
