What is Ramadan?

Pictured (L-R): Sabrina Hamed, Alethia Kunert, & Candice Njumbe.

Alethia Kunert, Staff Writer
April 18, 2023

What am I not eating? Why am I not drinking? Why am I wearing a scarf when it’s 80 degrees outside? The answer to these questions is Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is followed and celebrated by Muslims worldwide. For a month-long from dawn to sundown, we don’t eat, drink or chew gum. However, those are just the basics. Muslims also do not engage in any sexual activities or smoking. You can even take it a step further by quitting bad habits during this month, such as deleting TikTok, stopping listening to music, and not gossiping and cussing.

During Ramadan, you are encouraged to become closer to god and your faith. Muslims follow this tradition annually for a spiritual cleanse. Muslims are also supposed to work on keeping positive thoughts. We can do this every day by waking up early in the morning and eating a meal before dawn. This meal needs to last until the sun sets.

We must go through our daily normal such as working, going to school, and even working out. This month is a chance to show our devotion to Allah (god). Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

5 Pillars of Islam

Shahada (Faith)

The declaration of faith in one God (Allah) and His messenger (peace be upon him).

Salah (Prayer)

The ritual prayer required of every Muslim five times a day throughout their lifetime.

Zakat (Almsgiving)

The act of giving a portion of a Muslim’s wealth to those in need throughout their lifetime.

Sawm (Fasting)

The act of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

The sacred pilgrimage to Mecca required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime if it is within their means.

The “scarf on my head” is a hijab. A hijab is a cover I wear on my head that covers my hair. As a Muslim woman, it is looked down upon to show your hair and body. I am covered almost entirely because of respect for god and the holy month (ninth month). It is okay to ask questions and research things you don’t understand but remember to be respectful toward others who are different.