Graphic by Yujin Kim/The Choate News
On the evening of April 12, almost two billion Muslims around the world began Ramadan festivities, and Choate has been hosting events to support its Muslim students and faculty.
Ramadan traditionally falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and this year Muslims will celebrate it through May 12. Muslims observe the holiday by fasting, praying, spending time with loved ones, and self-reflecting.
Especially during high school when many students don’t have time to self-reflect, Ramadan is a period for many to finally do so. “I know especially with high school, it moves really quickly and you are just constantly doing something new every single day,” Muslim Student Association (MSA) President Ami Hoq ’21 said. “I feel like all Choate students can feel that way, but I know Ramadan is a time where I can reflect on myself and reflect on my goals and the person I want to be in the next upcoming months.”
Because those observing Ramadan can eat only before sunrise and after sundown, MSA collaborated with SAGE, the School’s catering company, to accommodate their needs. SAGE worked with a Halal butcher to ensure the meals were healthy and Halal-approved. To accommodate fasting hours, SAGE provides pre-dawn snacks such as protein bars, dates, and many traditional Ramadan dishes.
Because of the Covid-19 restrictions, the Muslim community lost access to the Spiritual Life space and resources that had been regularly available. Instead, a survey was sent to students before Ramadan to ascertain each of their needs. The School ordered resources including the Qur’an, prayer rugs, and prayer beads for students who requested them.
MSA Adviser Chaplain Arig Elhamouly said, “This is our Christmas, so usually on Christmas, we’re off. It’s very festive — everywhere is decorated, and everyone is very happy and joyful. There are certain things that you eat, and there are certain things that you do, and so it’s hard to do all of that during the school year. So, I ordered some decorative things from Party City and hopefully they make their way around the dining hall at least, where students are going to be breaking their fast.”
The initial days of Ramadan may prove to be difficult for many Muslim students as they adjust to fasting. Students may encounter fatigue and thirst, which makes participating in classes challenging. Muslim students must continue to to juggle academic and extra-curricular commitments in addition to their Ramadan traditions. Boarding Muslim students also have to contend with being away from home.
Many teachers reached out to the Muslim community to offer support, as not all students feel comfortable asking teachers for accommodations or extensions.
Chaplain Elhamouly said, “I think it’s just a collaborative effort all the way. Over the years at Choate, there has always been a collaborative effort during Ramadan, and I have really appreciated that, because usually this is something where we have to ask for an accommodation, whereas at Choate, I felt like they’re asking me, ‘What can we do for you? How can we help?’”
MSA Cabinet Member Faiz Farooqui ’21 would love to see more Muslims on the faculty. “It’s a lot easier to observe Ramadan and all of your religious obligations when there’s a bigger community around you who does it,” he said.
