Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time when Muslims worldwide observe fasting (sawm), prayer (salah), reflection and community connection. This year, the holy month began Feb. 28, marking a period for spirituality and self-discipline for those who observe it.

For members of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), Ramadan is more than just fasting — it’s an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. 

“It’s 30-days of self-improvement—being more generous, praying more, purifying your intention and making sure you’re doing things for the right reasons,” Salma Abdel-Karim, MSA president, said.

For Aaliyah Mahmoud, a sophomore information system and business analytics major from Jonesboro and MSA’s vice president, Ramadan is a time to “purify intentions, give charity and practice self-control.” 

Additionally, she said this is a time for her to get closer to faith in Allah. 

“Since we’re holding back from food and water, we can apply that self-control to other parts of our lives, whatever they may be,” Mahmoud said.

During Ramadan, those observing can only eat and drink after sunset (Iftar) and until sunrise (Suhoor), meaning they can not eat or drink during daylight hours. 

Mahmoud said she balances her fasting with academic responsibilities by focusing on her time management. She said she recommends other Muslim students to fill their days with activities, as it helps time pass more quickly.

“Planning my day and writing down what I need to do really helps me stay on top of my academic work while fasting,” Mahmoud said. 

However, she said the biggest challenge has been not being able to snack during the day, as her semester schedule relied on snacks to get through her Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes.

Abdel-Karim, a junior double biology and chemistry major from Jonesboro, said the MSA hosts an annual Iftar event for students, faculty and staff to help support those who observe Ramadan. 

She said this event allows MSA members to come together and share a meal, especially since many active members are international students who feel homesick or lonely during Ramadan. 

“We can’t sponsor dinner every night, but we make this event a priority,” Abdel-Karim said. “This is also a chance for non-Muslims to learn more about Ramadan and experience it with us.”

Mahmoud said the MSA strives to bring people together during Ramadan by providing resources and support, such as ensuring the prayer room is readily available. However, Abdel-Karim said the university could do more with helping the MSA promote important events and expand outreach efforts.

“It’s important for people to understand that Muslims students are just like everyone else, with similar routines but with a few differences,” Abdel-Karim said. “So helping with events like Islamic Awareness Week would be incredibly helpful — showcasing and normalizing our presence and giving us a chance to connect with others.”

Abdel-Karim and Mahmoud said they are fortunate to observe Ramadan with their families but recognize the challenges faced by Muslim international students experiencing it alone for the first time. 

Saba Jamshed, a mass communication graduate student from Pakistan and the MSA’s social media coordinator, is observing Ramadan in the U.S. for the first time.

She said Ramadan in the U.S. feels different than in Pakistan. And while she said she misses the communal experience with her family, observing in the U.S. has strengthened her spirituality. 

“Being away from home means there are fewer distractions so it’s a chance to focus solely on your spiritual growth,” Jamshed said. “But here, in my own space, I’ve realized that it’s a great time to have that personal relationship with Allah.”

As a child, Jamshed said she looked forward to the end of Ramadan to celebrate Eid al-Fitr – the festival marking the breaking of fast. Now, as she has grown older, she said her relationship with Ramadan has deepened. 

“I cherish each day during Ramadan as an opportunity to further my relationship with Allah and grow spiritually,” Jamshed said. “My perspective has changed from celebrating the end to embracing the whole month as a time for personal growth.”

Jamshed’s Ramadan routine includes scheduling prayer times and reading the Quran to better understand its message.

“My goal is to strengthen my relationship with Allah and that’s what I prioritize during Ramadan and throughout the year,” Jamshed said. 

MSA’s executive board members said they encourage the A-State’s non-Muslim students to be open minded and curious about Islamic culture and traditions.

Mahmoud and Abdel-Karim said they appreciate when people ask questions, as it helps tackle misconceptions and educate others about their faith.

“Feel free to ask,” Abdel-Karim said. “It’s better to ask than to guess and possibly be wrong.”

Jamshed said she wants people to better understand that observing Ramadan is not about suffering. 

“People often assume that fasting during Ramadan is a difficult and oppressive task, but that’s not true,” Jamshed said. “Ramadan is about self-discipline, devotion and spiritual growth.”

Additionally, she said Islam is a religion of peace, and fasting is a spiritual act, not an act of oppression. 

“You can’t force anyone into Islam and you can’t force anyone to fast,” Jamshed said. “It’s all about personal faith, choice and devotion. So, I want people to know that Islam is a beautiful and misunderstood religion — not about oppression but spiritual growth.” 

The MSA will host a Ramadan Iftar event Saturday, March 15 at the Pavilion at 7 p.m. 

Categories: Life