Non-Muslims may believe that Ramadan is a month in which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and hold massive dinners to break their fast. But Ramadan is about more than just fasting; it is about learning self-discipline, growing closer to God, and maturing as a person. 

Ramadan is a time for Muslims to gather and observe the ninth month of the Islamic calendar year by abstaining from indulgence and praying to grow closer to God. The month is sacred because it commemorates the day when God revealed the first chapters of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. 

Junior Marjan Huqooqmal commented, “Ramadan is a month of worship and it’s the month of forgiveness. Also, in Ramadan people fast, read the Quran and pray.”

Non-Muslims may believe that fasting is difficult for most Muslims, but most athletes, surprisingly, choose to fast during their games and matches. 

“I get inspiration from fasting to play sports because I heard the benefits of it are really good,” said junior Ali Javad, who plays basketball at Richmond Hill High School in Georgia. “Plus I love my sport too much, even though fasting is hard while playing sports I still get motivated.” Furthermore, Ramadan is to better yourself, to be the best you can be, and to try to develop healthy habits that go hand in hand with breaking bad habits and learning self-discipline. Of course, Muslims also enjoy the meal known as iftar at the end of the day. Sophomore Dorar Dulfi said, “iftar is my favorite meal of the day.” Dorar continued by saying “Because all my family gathers around and we have delicious meals.”

 Muslims celebrate Eid ul Fitr, which means “festival to break the fast,” at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast for a whole month.

Junior Safa Noorzaey says, “Eid is a reminder for us to be grateful for what we have and share with those who are in need.” Safa continues by saying “And we thank God for the strength that he gave us throughout Ramadan.” All Muslims look forward to Eid Al-fitur at the end of Ramadan because it allows them to celebrate with all of their loved ones, marking the end of Ramadan while receiving presents and donning new clothes.