Many religions like Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism have their own holidays to celebrate such as Christmas, Hanukkah and Diwali. Islam has a month called Ramadan. Despite it being viewed as a celebration, Ramadan is not a holiday but a month of worship.

During Ramadan, which follows the Lunar calendar, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset to grow their faith in God by praying and reading the holy book called the Qur’an.

Sophomore Humairah Orloff enjoys that Ramadan brings her closer to God and that it helps Orloff challenge herself.

”I want to take the opportunity to understand my religion more and strengthen my faith,” Orloff said. “I like how it shows you that you have more discipline than you think you have and that you can control yourself.”

Senior Belal Shabaneh explains that fasting is an important aspect of worship for Muslims. Due to fasting, Shabaneh has been able to acknowledge the importance of being empathetic towards the less fortunate.

“In order to be Muslim you have to fast during Ramadan,” Shabaneh said. “Another thing is to give Zakat, which is basically to give to the poor and Ramadan is a month to build empathy to know what the poor are going through so you can give more.”

During the last ten days of Ramdan is one day called the Laylatul Qadr which is the most sacred and holiest day of the year. It is not clear when the actual day is, which is why the last ten days are usually spent in lots of worship by reading the Qur’an and praying most of the day .

The day after Ramadan is called Eid, which is when families spend time with each other and celebrate the end of Ramadan. Eid mornings are usually fast-paced due to trying to catch the morning prayer, and each Muslim family has their own unique way of celebrating Eid.

Junior Nora Shabaneh celebrates with her family by going out to pray and then getting ready to spend time with family and friends.

“That is the end of Ramadan so we end our fasting, we pray at the beginning and I get money,” Shabaneh said.