Ramadan is celebrated annually, in the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, which follows a lunar cycle. The ninth month of the Islamic Calendar is the month when the holy book, the Quran, was believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. According to the Islamic Network Group, an organization dedicated to fostering understanding about Islam, Ramadan is a time of gratefulness, self control, and spiritual devotion to Islam. Muslims fast from Sunrise to Sunset, abstaining from consuming food or drink during daytime hours. There are some people who are exempt from fasting though, such as pregnant women, young children, medical workers, and sick individuals. 

Junior Huda Hassan celebrates Ramadan and will fast for 30 days this year, until Eid al-Fitr, on March 30, 2025.  

“We make it our goal to be a good person, do good deeds and we abstain from food to recognize our privilege,” Hassan said. 

Every night during Ramadan, Hassan breaks her fast at night by eating dates and drinking water. 

“It is something called Sunnah, in Islam, which is not necessary, but you’ll get good deeds if you do it. So, eating three dates is Sunnah,” Hassan said.

After breaking her fast, Hassan prays for two to three minutes and then her family eats. 

“My family, we love to eat spring rolls and samosas. We have fruit, we have grapes, watermelon, and then we break our fast with whatever,” Hassan said. 

Besides being able to connect with her religion, Hassan feels that Ramadan brings out a sense of community.

“I feel like it unites all Muslims across the world,” Hassan said. “People love talking about Ramadan and some of the hardships and benefits that come with it.”

Hassan believes that there are many ways for non-Muslims to support their Muslim friends while they fast. 

“If you have Muslim friends, you can maybe ask to fast a day with them. I know it’s super fun, my friends do that with me sometimes in solidarity,” Hassan said. “Or, just wish any person, Ramadan kareem or Ramadan mubarak.”