Illustration: thequint.com
Every year, Muslims around the world come together to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. It is estimated that up to 1.9 billion people celebrate Ramadan yearly, and 2.2 million people celebrate it in the United States yearly. The holy month of Ramadan changes every year because it is in accordance with the Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar phases of the moon. This year Ramadan was from March 22 to April 20.
Ramadan consists of a period of fasting from sunrise to sunset every day for 30 days. There are a number of reasons why Muslims fast. First, it is believed that this is the month that God revealed the first verse of the Quran to the prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him). Second, fasting is to show appreciation and gratitude for what one has in his life; fasting is a reminder of all the things one usually has. It is also a time when Muslims have the opportunity to become closer to God and more devoted to their religion. Third, and beyond religious reasons, Ramadan also teaches life lessons, such as self-control, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity.
This year, Northwood had three students who celebrated Ramadan, Aly El Mofty ‘23, Ahmed El Ganainy ‘23, and Mariama Thioubou ‘23. “It has been difficult fasting due to having to train and do school,” El Gainainy said. “It is our (Ahmed and Aly’s) very first time ever fasting outside of our home country, so it is a very new experience for us,” he added.
We wish Aly, Ahmed, and Mariama a Ramadan Kareem!
