Hi Year Up,
Starting at sunset on Thursday, April 23rd, and lasting until Saturday, May 23rd is the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This year, the entire month may fall during social distancing restrictions across the nation. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community. A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty‐nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.
In this time, when hearing from others is crucial for Year Up’s community, we wanted to take an opportunity to elevate new voices from our network. We shared a conversation between a Year Up Greater Boston staff member, Aadil Sulaiman (AD of Employment Placement), and current Year Up student Zariah Boateng (YUGB Student – LC Believe). Aadil and Zariah had a brief conversation about Ramadan and what the holiday means to them, their families, and Muslims around the world, along with how COVID‐19 impacts the holy holiday.
What do Muslims do during the month of Ramadan?
A: Healthy Muslim adults fast (no food or water) from dawn until dusk. Usually, a meal is eaten before dawn (suhoor) and after dusk (iftar).
Z: My family fasts and goes to the masjid (Mosque) every day from iftar (around 8 pm) and stays until suhoor (5 am). We celebrate and spend time with family and friends for as many days of the week, as we can when we aren’t working.
A: On the last day of Ramadan (5/23), there is usually a big party for Eid al‐Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) with friends and family.
How might this be different for students and colleagues during Covid‐19?
Z: People are disappointed because it’s meant to be a big celebration, and it really fills you up spiritually. I am still getting together with my family, who live in my house to pray every day. Some people in my house are still working in the evenings, but we celebrate with whoever is free each night.
A: It’s hard being at home, working all day, and having to avoid all my delicious food and snacks eyeing me from the kitchen. I don’t live with any Muslim family members or friends, so the community aspect feels a bit different. With everything going on in the world, I am trying to be kind to myself and may only fast for a smaller portion of the month. It’s customary for my family to give to charities if you aren’t fasting, and I will definitely be doing that during this month.
How can I be supportive of my Muslim students and colleagues this month?
Z: The first few days of fasting are tough (mood swings, headaches), but then things get back to normal. Be aware and supportive during this time.
A: Also, be understanding and aware as Muslim colleagues are observing Ramadan, which means feel free to say “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) or “Ramadan Kareem” (Have a generous Ramadan) any time between now and the last day (5/23). At the end of Ramadan, you should wish them “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed celebration) to celebrate Eid al‐Fitr.
Here’s an excellent article from CNN that we shared last year with more ways to be aware: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/ramadan‐non‐muslims‐etiquette‐guide/index.html
Best,
Antoine Andrews + Aadil Sulaiman