Reflecting on Ramadan: How to Support our Fasting Classmates

BY ISTAFA RAZVI ’26

It is almost the month of Ramadan for our Muslim students here in Jericho. During this time, Muslim students spend a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual growth, all while still attending school.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims must fast from dawn to sunset. During this time, they must not eat, drink, or participate in dishonorable activities. This fasting is meant to strengthen discipline and focus on the mind and spirit. Before dawn, Muslims partake in a meal right before they fast known as sahoor, helping them get through the day ahead. Once the sun has set, Muslims open their fast with a meal called iftar, often beginning with a prayer, dates, and water.

Ramadan is a rewarding but challenging time for our Muslim peers, especially as they balance school with fasting from sunrise to sunset. During Ramadan, there are many things that we, at Jericho, can continue to do to support Muslim students.

For starters, it is helpful to be mindful of fasting and the impact that it has during the day. Muslim students will not be eating or drinking during the school day, so they might get tired or hungry. This is something to consider inside and outside of the classroom for your friends and students alike.

Furthermore, please be patient. The schedule for early rising for sunrise sahoor might make it difficult for some Muslim students to adjust, so please be considerate if they seem slower or quieter than usual. 

Finally, and most importantly, be kind. Small gestures, like being supportive and treating fasting students normally help to create a warm and welcoming environment for them during an important time.

Ramadan is more than just not eating or drinking; it is a month of faith, reflection, and spiritual growth. Jericho is an inclusive and caring community. By continuing to respect and support classmates, Jericho students and staff only deepen the community’s commitment to respecting everyone.