Member Perspectives: On Ramadan 2022, Which Begins With April

In our Member Perspectives series, we ask our members to write about their union experiences. This installment features Noha Beydoun, writing about Ramadan and how best to support Muslim students during this month.

Noha Beydoun

Ann Arbor | Comprehensive Studies | Intermediate Lecturer

The first few days of April mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, many Muslim students and faculty alike will be observing fasting for its duration. Observing Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith—other pillars include the daily prayers and charity. While observing the holy month can take many different forms, the most commonly recognized is fasting from eating or drinking daily (from dawn to sunset). However, this is only one part of fasting: it also entails an attempt to disconnect from materialism and other worldly distractions, and to engage in self-reflection. It is an opportunity for Muslims to renew both their spiritual connection with God and to set goals for the year centered on a greater good. Ultimately, the month of Ramadan is a celebration for Muslims. It is a time for reflection, family, charity, and love. 

Above all, Ramadan reminds Muslims across the globe of the importance of being committed to the principles of social justice. It is through the act of fasting from food, for example, that we are reminded of the suffering the hungry face across the world—including those in our own communities. The nature of Ramadan’s rituals are designed to cultivate empathy for others and their struggles. Hence, Muslims are especially encouraged to give without boundaries and in all forms: from monetary charity to simple acts of kindness. We are also highly encouraged to break our fasts with family and friends, which fosters the importance of unity and community building. 

The start and end of the month of Ramadan depends on the moon’s sighting. The Islamic Calendar is a lunar one, and each new month begins with the birth of the new moon. Each year, the start of the month moves backward by ten days in the solar calendar. For the last several years, Ramadan has started over the summer months—last year it began at just the tail end of the academic winter term. This year it begins with the start of the last month of the winter term, and in the future will take place over the course of the winter, and then later, during the fall term.

While it is too soon to declare for certain, the end of Ramadan this year is projected to be around Sunday May 1st. This day is called Eid Al-Fitr (or literally, the Celebration of Breaking Fast), and is one of the biggest and greatest celebrations of the entire year. Though U of M does not observe religious holidays, you might consider allowing a student to miss class for this joyous occasion.  

Having a general understanding of what Ramadan entails for Muslim students across campus can help us be mindful of and support students who observe fasting. To answer the most common question: no, we don’t even have water during the day. As iftar (the time we break our fast) is generally past 8pm this year, Muslims who are fasting will naturally have less energy during day hours, and subsequently, will run on a slight delay. Think of this as “low power mode” on a cell phone; still completely functional, but trying to conserve energy. Additionally, many Muslims observing fasting will adjust their schedule to stay up late and complete their work after they break their fast. Finally, acknowledging students’ unique life experiences ensures that they feel seen and heard. If you are aware that a student is observing Ramadan, an appropriate greeting will go a long way. Greetings like “Happy Ramadan,” “Ramadan Mubarak” (blessed Ramadan), or “Ramadan Kareem” (have a generous Ramadan) are all appropriate. So, too, is a greeting at Eid time with “Happy Eid” or “Eid Mubarak” (blessed Eid). 

One of the best ways we can truly offer encouragement to students and colleagues during this month is to engage with them directly on how they can best be supported. Knowing their perspectives helps ensure that they feel respected and accepted. 

Noha Beydoun is an Intermittent Lecturer in the Comprehensive Studies Program at UM-Ann Arbor and teaches reading and writing seminars to undergraduate students. Her research explores the intersections of capitalism, imperialism, gender, and race, particularly through the vantage point of hijab and its representation in popular media. And connections between her research and teaching inform her course content, and continuously renew her understanding of the struggles of marginalized groups.