Muslims from all around the world have begun preparing for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Many say preparation is important both physically and mentally, especially for young children who are fasting for the first time or students who are studying and giving exams.

“I’m already fasting now, making up for last year,” Seena Saleh said before Ramadan began on Feb. 18.

Saleh, a DePaul freshman studying psychology, explained that because Ramadan lasts a month, women who are menstruating are exempt from fasting. However, they are expected to make up for the missed days before the next Ramadan starts.

Each year, Ramadan starts at a slightly different date because Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. This year, Ramadan will end on March 19.

During the month of fasting, those who abstain from food and drinks from dawn until sunset often experience lower energy levels, which can make activities such as exercising or focusing on class work more challenging.

Some say adjusting a daily schedule ahead of time can help ease the transition. They might begin shifting their sleep schedule or try to cut back on harsh workouts. Meal prepping ahead of time also is a common strategy.

Abdul-Malik Ryan, the assistant director of religious diversity and pastoral care and a Muslim chaplain at DePaul, said he takes ibuprofen a day or two before he starts fasting, anticipating lower energy levels and headaches that can occur during the day as his body adjusts to the change in routine. 

Hisham Mohammed Rahmath, a DePaul junior who studies computer science, noted that the month of Ramadan is also known as the month of the Quran.

“It’s a month for all Muslims to spiritually get close to Allah, to Islam and connect back to what we’re here for,” Rahmath said.

Rahmath also mentioned that Ramadan is a month to reflect on consumption habits and that the month is for fasting, not feasting, even after sundown.

“We’re not supposed to have so much food. We’re supposed to lock in,” Rahmath said.

Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse, and Ramadan customs can transcend borders and vary from culture to culture. Some Muslims decorate their homes and some gather and socialize after the daily fast. After Ramadan ends, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which translates to the holiday or the feast of breaking the fast.

Umar Ryan, DePaul senior studying computer science, said that during this month, it’s common to share meals with your community. Ryan and his family have a tradition of gathering at his grandmother’s house to share a meal. “Ramadan really brings people together,” he said.

Why is fasting important during Ramadan?

According to the Quran, fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental practices in Islam. Ramadan is a time for increased worship, reflection and charity.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 183, the Quran says, “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah (God).”

During this holy month, families and friends often gather around food to break their daily fast in a meal known as iftar in Arabic. They eat a predawn meal called “suhoor” to hydrate and fill their bodies ahead of the daily fast.

Ryan said that during Ramadan, Muslims fast from not only food and drinks but also from sins.

Ryan said part of fasting is abstaining from swearing because everything in Islam starts with intention. Although cursing may not logistically break the fast, he said it does undermine its spiritual purpose.

“Fasting is also for your eyes, tongue and ears,” Ryan said.

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