Fasting as a High School Student: Ramadan

By: Sedina Begic and Nyah McCall

Every day, I start my morning by grabbing a snack and water bottle. However, now that it’s Ramadan, I have to remember to refrain myself from drinking or eating.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all around the world. During these 30 days, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and pray. Ramadan started on May 5th this year, and moves back 10 days every year. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid; this is a holiday that lasts three days.

For me, fasting during school isn’t as difficult as some may think. I actually find it easier to go fast while in school because it helps the long, hungry hours pass more quickly. By the time I get home, I only have 4-5 hours before I can break my fast.

Experiences during Ramadan are different for everyone, so I decided to interview a fellow student at Wethersfield High School to see if her experience is similar to mine.

Lejla Mustabasic is a senior that is practicing Ramadan this year. When asked if fasting during school is tough for her, she said, “Definitely. I’m extra tired at school not only because I’m hungry, but also because when I wake up for Sehur, I lose even more sleep.” Sehur is the time at which Muslims wake up to eat before sunrise. This way they won’t be as hungry during the day.

I asked Mustabasic what the hardest part about fasting in school and she said, “Lunch time is the hardest to get through. Everyone around you is eating or drinking something and you never realize just how hungry you are until people around you start eating. Some people even forget that you’re fasting and offer you food and it makes your temptations even worse. Once lunch is over though, the rest of the school day is fine.”

When asked if fasting makes it harder to focus during tests or quizzes Mustabasic said, “I don’t find it to be that difficult but I’m sure for some students it's difficult because breakfast is really important and eating a good breakfast can help you focus better during a test. I don’t seem to mind it though.”

Although Ramadan may seem impossible for those who don’t participate, it actually isn’t that bad. Not only is fasting a religious experience for Muslims, but it also shows us how fortunate we are.  There are people who truly don’t have anything to eat or drink during the day. We forget how blessed we are to be able to drink or eat at any time of the day and we don’t know the daily struggles of those who have nothing. If you have a Muslim friend who’s fasting, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about it. They’ll probably be more than happy to tell you about it.

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