Ramadan Kareem!
May 13, 2022
As the month of Ramadan comes to an end, we want to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters Eid Mubarak!
Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak are an Arabic phrases said during the ninth holy month of Islam to wish other Muslims a blessed Ramadan. Ramadan is a religious holiday observed and celebrated by many members of the MAELS community.
“Ramadan lasts for 30 days,” shared Karma from Crew 6C. One of the ways we observe Ramadan is we fast from sunrise to sundown. This means we do not eat or drink any food at this time. We only eat or drink after the sun sets.”
“A lot of people ask us this, so we just want to lay it out for everyone. We cannot eat any food or drink water. We can’t have anything. PERIOD. We can’t put anything in your mouth- no gum!”
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam along with the profesion of faith, prayer, alms and pilgrimage.
Leena from Crew 6C shares how fasting came to be a big part of observing Ramadan. “In our Qu’ran, it says that God is trying to test our patience and fasting during Ramadan is how we put our patience to the test.”
“Muslims usually start fasting around ages 10-12 because that’s when they start becoming mature,” shared Yusef from Crew 6F.
“It’s a choice and it’s personal,” continued Karma. “Some people are more committed to fasting while some are choosing not to fast consistently. Everyone practices differently and everyone has their reasons.”
“I chose to commit to fasting because we know that Eid is ahead of us and I want to prove to myself that I deserve that gift and that celebration!”
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day during the month of Ramadan. Families have Suhoor, which is a healthy meal before sunrise. Then at sunset, families and communities gather for Iftar, the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan.
“Families can come together for Iftar in their house or in mosques,” shared Amin from Crew 6C. “When my family breaks fast, we do it with dates and water because that’s how the prophet Muhammad did it.”
Traditionally, Muslims break fast with dates and water because dates are easy to digest so they don't exhaust the stomach after fasting for long hours.
To honor the celebration, MAELS has created a space for observers of Ramadan. Several teachers join the observing students and their peers in this space each day during lunch time.
“No one is eating or drinking in this space,” shared Leena. “It helps us to take our mind off of the food. I wish all schools had this space!”
“During school time, I feel really hungry but this space helps to distract me from hunger. We are free to use this space to relax, talk and to reflect on our faith and practice,” shared Karma.
“I love the idea of this space for students to go to,” expressed Ms. Yoga. “When you come in, you immediately see and feel the community. Kids don’t have to explain themselves to anyone. Everyone knows why this space exists and it’s so affirming for our community.”
During the month of Ramadan, this space is filled with students who are observing Ramadan as well as their peers who are observing it with them.
“It feels very respectful when our peers try to observe Ramadan with us,” said Karma. “I love when my friends come up to space and try to immerse themselves in our world.”
“I used to fast with my best friend in high school who observed Ramadan,” shared Ms. Estrada. “I would go to her house each day and break fast with her family at sun down. And at the end of Ramadan, I would join their friends and family for the Eid al-fitr feast. It's one thing to just learn about it but another to really immerse yourself so you can understand how significant these celebrations are in the Muslim communities.”
“I don’t celebrate Ramadan but sometimes my family celebrates with our close friends,” shared Anthony from Crew 6J. “We have a lot of fun with our friends and we try to do things to keep our mind off of eating like board games or play with our devices!”
The end of Ramadan is welcomed over a 3-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (say EED al fitter). This year, the first day of Eid al-Fitr falls on Sunday, May 1.
Karma shares, “There are so many special things we do at the end of Ramadan. On the day before Eid, we always wear new clothes and pajamas.
Leena continued, “Families also take time to clean the house together to bring in the new year. And, while some families have a feast before Ramadan, the end of Eid is usually celebrated with a giant feast!”
“Ramadan isn’t just about fasting,” shared Karma. “It’s about patience, family and love. It’s about reflection.”
As the month of Ramadan comes to an end, we want to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters Eid Mubarak!