As Sha'ban, the Islamic lunar month before Ramadan, comes to an end, Muslim students at San José State adjust their routines to prepare for the holiest month in Islam, beginning this year on the evening of Feb. 28.
Muslims believe the Qur'ān, the Holy Book of Islam, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad on one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, called “Laylat Al-Qadr” in Arabic, translated in English as "the Night of Power", according to Muslim Aid.
They also believe spiritual rewards are multiplied during the month, so they focus on acts of worship such as reading the Qur'ān, fasting and praying extra prayers, according to Madrasat Al Qurān.
Fayo Ahmed, a first-year political science student and member of SJSU Muslim Student Association encourages fellow Muslims to begin preparing now.
"Don't wait for a specific moment in time. If you feel in your heart that you want to be closer to God, start now,” she said.
Typically, Muslims begin from Sha'ban for a smoother transition into Ramadan, according to Al-Madina Institute.
Some simple ways Muslim youth are getting ready for the month include replacing music with Islamic podcasts, which Fayo Ahmed and Reha Ahmed, a fourth-year public health student and sisters' event director of SJSU Muslim Student Association, said they are partaking in.
In Ramadan, which lasts 29 to 30 days, able-bodied Muslims fast from fajr (pre-dawn) to maghrib (sunset), according to Islamic Network Group.
"I'm trying to eat more protein to prepare my body for fasting," said Reha Ahmed.
Islamic fasting involves abstaining from all food and drink, including water, according to Brandeis University webpage.
Nutritionists highlight the importance of water and electrolyte intake before Ramadan and during non-fasting hours, according to an April 23, 2013 National Institutes of Health article.
“I’ve been telling myself to drink more water so that when the time comes, I won’t be completely dehydrated,” said Fayo Ahmed.
Muslims fast Ramadan for many spiritual reasons including self-discipline, spiritual growth and empathy, according to a Muslim Aid webpage.
Ramadan fasting is also linked to physical health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, balancing insulin levels and boosting human growth hormone, according to a March 5, 2024 article by American Heart Association News.
Emily Foreman, a third-year physics student and member of SJSU Muslim Student Association gives her input on fasting.
"Fasting isn't always easy, so remembering why we fast in the first place is important,” she said.
Traditionally Muslims break their fasts with milk and dates, following the Sunnah, or teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammed, according to Brandeis University.
Along with these traditions, Muslims integrate unique, cultural, energy and protein-abundant staples into their meal planning, according to the same source above.
Fayo Ahmed said her family is from Ethiopia and shared some ways they prepare for Iftar.
Iftar is traditionally prepared and eaten with friends and family, fostering a sense of community and togetherness, and even overcoming social inequalities, according to a March 22, 2024 Indiana University article.
"My mom typically buys so much meat and samosa dough, then she invites her friends and they wrap samosas all night," Fayo Ahmed said.
Other cultures prepare foods like Qatayef, commonly found in Egyptian and Levantine cultures, and Haleem, found in Desi culture, according to TRT World.
Reha Ahmed said the SJSU Muslim Student Association is planning many community Iftars and Ramadan preparation workshops.
One workshop, “The Sunnah Road to Ramadan,” hosted by SJSU Muslim Student Association on Feb. 20, will discuss balancing school, work, and spirituality while fasting to prepare its members.
Foreman, who grew up Protestant and became Muslim two years ago, said that community Iftars are significant for new Muslims.
“The community I gained at SJSU (has) been nothing but kind,” she said. “My family doesn’t really understand why I am fasting, so I feel extremely lucky that MSA (SJSU Muslim Student Association) hosted Iftars last year.”
Over 20,000 Americans become Muslims annually, and around the world, the number of Muslims is expected to grow from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.8 billion in 2050, according to Pew Research Center.
Muslims also decorate for Ramadan, commonly using crescent shapes, lights and lanterns to set a warm and joyful mood, according to About Islam.
"I have a lot of nostalgia around Christmas, and I want to build it up around Ramadan," Foreman said. "I do intend to decorate again."
Local mosques, like the Muslim Community Association, decorate to welcome the many people coming in to spend extra time worshipping and praying the extra night prayer, Taraweeh.
Because of lower energy levels during the day, Muslim students shift their activities, like socializing and schoolwork, to nighttime, according to a July 23, 2023 National Institutes of Health study.
Some teachers and professors accommodate practicing students, preparing different tasks to not overwork them, according to a March 11, 2024 PBS article.
"I'm preparing to fit more naps into my schedule, since I'm going to be out a lot at night, and I'll be tired in school," Fayo Ahmed said.
This transition into the holiest Islamic month brings forth a strong sense of community among SJSU students, pulling each other up despite the difficulties.
“We all have our challenges, but acknowledging that and doing your best for the sake of Allah is extremely valuable,” Foreman said. “Surround yourself with people who want the best for you and do your best in everything.”
