The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Production Course
Erin Copeland
Staff Writer
Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims ranging from March 10th to April 9th this year. During Ramadan, Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers.
Those who celebrate commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an and fast from sunrise until sunset. In addition, Muslims have 5 obligatory prayers they pray during the day.
A large population of Bradley students celebrate Ramadan, fasting during the day, and they need a place to pray during school hours. Many Bradley staff members make it their goal to provide students with a safe place to pray during the school day.
Ms. Thomas, Media Specialist at Bradley, is charged with helping to provide all students with a safe, comfortable environment. This is no different during Ramadan, which students need to pray during school hours. She says, “what we’re trying to do is create a space where we give [students] the opportunity to pray.” She, along with Bradley principals and other staff members, is on a committee through the district’s Central Office that organizes the details for where students can pray. She has been a member of the committee for 2 years and says “being a part of it allows me to see students in a different light.”
Challenges can arise for Muslim students during Ramadan, as their routines can change between fasting all day and eating late at night. Also finding the time to pray 5 times a day. Some students keep busy during the day like Lammees Alqashqish (9) says, “I go to school, then I go start to track practice. I go on long walks and then when I get home I help my mom and I eat.”
However, some students do not find this time espeically challenging. Annan Muftah (11) states, “it’s not difficult to fast during school because I have friends who fast with me, so it doesn’t make it that difficult.” Being part of a community gives students a sense that they are not alone during Ramadan and that they can all come together to pray.
Another fasting student at Bradley Maryam Fouad (12) says, “fasting doesn’t affect me, it’s perfectly normal and we get more good deeds if we see someone eat and don’t think about it or make me want [to eat].”
Ramadan is a special time for many Muslims and offers individuals a time for self reflection and spiritual improvement.