On March 1, 2024, Concord Academy’s Community and Equity office invited the Muslim Student Association Co-Heads Malik Traore ’25, Nishat Taznim ’24, and Laila Mooraj ’24 to present an informational assembly on Ramadan. Ramadan, which is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, is also a holiday observed by Muslims all around the globe. The holiday originates from the day in which the Quran, the sacred book of Islam, was revealed to the prophet Muhammed.
As the Islamic Calendar differs from the Gregorian Calendar, which is used in much of the Western World, the date of Ramadan changes every year based on the moon cycle. This year, between March 10 and April 9, 2024, Ramadan will be a month of fasting, praying, and spiritual and mental growth. Specifically, this growth focuses on the five pillars of Islam: faith (Shahada), prayer (Shalah), fasting (Sawm), donating (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj).
During the month, Muslims engage in five daily prayers as well as daily fasting. Contrary to some common misconceptions, Laila explained that observers of the holiday do not completely cease eating or drinking for 30 days. Malik further explained that while Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink during the day during Ramadan, they still eat meals called Suhur and Iftar before sunrise and after sunset respectively. This process can be extremely difficult; thus, it is important that those who do not celebrate the month acknowledge and respect their peers who do recognize this holiday.
The basic boundaries to keep in mind as a respectful member of CA, noted Nishat, include not waving food in front of one’s face while fasting, not making individuals feel uncomfortable if they show disinterest in events related to food, and not questioning observers who stop fasting during Ramadan. Laila stated that there are a variety of personal reasons why a student may cease fasting, including sickness or menstruation. On the other hand, some things that we as a community at CA should do, announced Nishat, include checking in on those who are fasting, not being judgmental when these individuals are not physically or socially exerting themselves, and respectfully asking appropriate questions when curious.
Malik, Nishat, and Laila ended the assembly with an explanation of Eid al-Fitr, the day that commemorates the end of Ramadan and fasting. Falling on April 10 this year, the holiday is filled with family and friends as well as lots of celebrations, including making special pastries, exchanging gifts, and most of all: eating a large feast.
The Ramadan Assembly at CA was brief but nonetheless provided its students with the opportunity to learn more about the holiday as well as a chance to connect with those who celebrate different religions. To learn more about Ramadan, students are encouraged to read articles recommended by the C&E office, go through the slides used in the assembly, or speak to Malik, Nishat, or Laila.
To all of those who celebrate: Ramadan Murabak!