The Holy Month of Ramadan

By: HANAH SWISSA

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic/lunar calendar, observed by Muslims all over the world. The holy month calls to bring Muslims closer to God through the act of fasting, a spiritual cleanse that also aims to build self-discipline. Healthy adults are instructed to abstain from eating and drinking from the first sight of light -at dawn-, until the sun comes back to the horizon -at sunset-.

During Ramadan, Muslims wake up early for a pre-dawn meal, called suhoor which is eaten before the first prayer of the day at about 4 am. It is a tradition to meet with extended family and friends to break the fast for iftar and pray at sunset which is around 8:30 pm. This year and the last, Muslims have struggled silently, feeling lonely in quarantine and disconnected from their community which they usually see every night as they observe the holy month.

Fasting is only one aspect of the blessed month, it is a time to give charity, express gratitude, and seek forgiveness. When the new moon is sighted, Ramadan is declared over and the celebration begins. The three-day holiday, called Eid Al Fitr is one of two Eids of the year, the first day includes a group prayer in the morning and fun activities throughout the rest of the day. The rest of the three days include exchanging gifts and enjoyable family activities. This year Eid Al Fitr will fall on Thursday, May 13th. Be sure to wish your Muslim friends a Happy Ramadan and remember not to offer them anything to eat! Ramadan Mubarak T- Wolves <3

Law Against Islam

The headscarf Muslim women wear, called the hijab, is under attack. Most recently, the French senate has approved a bill to promote the country’s secular system. The soon-to-be law will ban any Muslim women who are under 18, from wearing their hijab in public. The hashtag, #handsoffmyhijab has been trending since Belgium voted to ban the hijab from higher education facilities. French President, Emmanuel Macron, has built a proudly Islamaphobic state in France, and this attack on Muslim women is nothing unexpected. The French National Assembly is now debating the decision to restrict Muslim women from embracing their religion of peace, Islam.