Freshman Aroob Fatima starts her day before the sun rises. She eats suhoor [meal before fasting] with her family. She goes on to pray Fajr [morning prayer] then heads to school and fasts for around 12 hours without food or water before she can eat again at sundown. 

Ramadan is a holy month celebrated by Muslims across the world. Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. It marks when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammed. It’s a month believed to wash away the sins of Muslims through daily fasts for the whole month and constant discipline. It’s supposed to strengthen spiritual growth, connection to God and purify the heart. 

This month carries a lot of responsibility. And with great responsibility, you need preparation. So, how are Valley students preparing for Ramadan? 

“I am working on my spiritual connection with Allah,” freshman Aroob Fatima said. “I think Ramadan is about improving the Muslim you are, not becoming a better Muslim. So you need to enter Ramadan already connected with your deen [religion].”

Junior Zahra Zandinejad started fasting on Mondays and Thursdays in order to physically prepare for Ramadan. “Obviously, it’s the sunnah [practice, traits, characteristics following the Prophet] that Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him followed. So you get to practice and earn blessings on the way.”

Sophomore Musa Baig prepares for Ramadan by educating himself more on Islam and Ramadan.

“I think in order to become a better Muslim, you have to understand what Ramadan and Islam are really about.”