The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion, and whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Fasting is from sunrise to sunset for all adult Muslims who aren’t acutely or chronically ill, traveling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating. There are spiritual rewards from fasting, which are believed to be multiplied by Ramadan. Accordingly, Muslims not only refrain from liquids, or food, they also refrain from tobacco products, sexual relationships, and sinful behavior. They devote themselves to Salat (prayer), and recitation of the Quran (religious text of Islam).

“I feel like Ramadan is a very special holiday for many people. I don’t even know how they could fast for that long, I’m hungry every five seconds” says freshmen Chesterton High School student Caiden Crosby.

Although Muslims were first commanded to fast in the second of Hijra (a period of time in Islam’s complex calendars), they believe that the practice of fasting is not in fact an innovation of monotheism, but rather has been necessary for believers to attain taqwa (the fear of God). It points to the fact that the pre-Islamic pagans of Mecca fasted on the tenth day of Muharram to expiate sin and avoid drought.

The word Ramadan derives from the Arabic root “scorching heat” Ramadan is thought to be one of the names of God in Islam by some, and as such it is reported in many hadiths (record of the traditions), which are prohibited to say only “Ramadan” in reference to the calendar month and that is necessary to say “month of Ramadan”, as reported in Sunni, Shia, and Zaydi sources. However, these hadith are weak due to discontinuity in the chain of narrators or due to some criticism of a narrator.

“While this holy month has transformed my spirituality and given me a sense of renewal, I’m always saddened when Ramadan comes to an end, making me aware that this will not return for another year” says Chesterton High School student Emily Overcash.

Ramadan isn’t a holiday Americans usually celebrate. To those who celebrate it, it could be very important to them. Even if we don’t celebrate, we should all be supportive for those who do celebrate the holiday. Even if it might be different from something we would practice ourselves.