As Ramadan recently began, many Muslims around the world, including our Muslim community here at Lockport High School, entered a month of fasting, reflection and spiritual growth. But what exactly is Ramadan and why is it so important to the Muslim community?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds great importance for Muslims worldwide. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink and other activities. Fasting, known as sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves more than just refraining from food and drink. It is a time for discipline, reflection and spiritual growth. Through fasting, we aim to strengthen our understanding of our faith, build a closer connection to it and focus on personal improvement. Ramadan also encourages increased prayer, reading the Quran and striving to improve our daily lives.

Ramadan is also a time to recognize the struggles of others. When we fast, we experience firsthand what it feels like to go without food or water, even if just for a day. This experience allows us to better understand the challenges that less fortunate people face every day. The hunger and thirst we feel serve as reminders to be grateful for what we have and to recognize the hardships others endure. It helps build empathy and motivates us to appreciate the blessings we sometimes take for granted. Ramadan encourages us to become more aware of our privileges and take action to support those who are less fortunate.

For Muslims, Ramadan is also a time to give back. It’s not just about fasting and prayer, it’s about acting on a sense of responsibility for those around us. Many Muslims engage in acts of charity during Ramadan, which could include donations, food drives or volunteering. Zakat, a form of giving to those in need, is one of the key principles of Islam and Ramadan offers a special opportunity to practice it. Giving back is not only a way to help others but it also brings Muslims closer to the values of compassion and selflessness that Islam encourages.

One of the most important parts of Ramadan is the sense of unity it creates. While fasting is a personal commitment, it’s the shared experience that connects Muslims both globally and locally. During Ramadan, I visit my mosque in Chicago where I participate in special prayers and community events. At sunset, we gather for iftar, break our fast with a meal and spend time with family and friends. It’s not just about sharing food but also an opportunity to connect with others through meaningful conversations.

Some of the most memorable conversations I’ve had have been with people I had never spoken to before during iftar at my local mosque. Globally, mosques organize events such as Quran recitations and charity drives that not only strengthen our faith but also help us connect with the needs of others. These activities go beyond tradition and provide a chance for Muslims everywhere to engage with their communities in meaningful ways.

This year, Ramadan lasts from Friday, February 28, 2025, to Saturday, March 29, 2025, and ends with Eid al-Fitr, a festive celebration marking the completion of the month of fasting. It is a day filled with prayers, gatherings and acts of kindness, as families and communities come together to celebrate and share with others.