March 10th established the beginning of the sacred ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. Celebrations include fasting, prayer, and overall reflection.
Zain Saquib, a junior economics and business major, explains why Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Saquib: I think the biggest thing why we fast is to really emphasize with the people that don’t have as much as we do normally.
Jamilah Muhammad, a senior studying Business Administration, reminisces on celebrating at home with her family.
Muhammad: We’ll study the Quran together and talk about like, our own shortcomings and how we can become like better people and better stewards of our community.
She emphasizes the ways Ramadan helps her become a better person at home and even here at USC.
Muhammad: The spiritual mental growth that you get from it is very intentional, but you’d be surprised how much you can grow as a person in one month.
Muhammad highlights the shift in celebrating here on campus and the comradery this observance has had for the Muslim community.
Muhammad: So like the community that I have built here, the family that I’ve built here, I cherish them so much.
Ultimately, Muhammad urges people to try something new and take part in Ramadan practices.
Muhammad: When it’s time to eat like you eat one date, a banana or something that you like, good. So I encourage everyone to try it just at least once maybe even just for a week.
As Ramadan comes to a close this year, Muslims all around the world are anticipating Eid-Al Fitr, the day after the last day of fasting.