Feb. 13, 2026
By Kenzy Mahmoud
Staff Writer
There’s one month each year when everyone seems to feel sorry for me and temporarily loses their common sense, and that month is Ramadan.
Ramadan is an important Muslim holiday celebrated over a lunar month that shifts by 10-12 days each year, taking place this year from Feb. 18 to March 19.
Ramadan is widely observed across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia, with festive decorations similar to American Christmas.
During this holiday, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink. This is when the pity and teasing begin.
Fasting is not just about not eating; it’s also a time to reflect on our actions. Many do charity work and perform good deeds while striving to avoid negative behaviors, such as cursing or missing prayers, to get closer to God. We engage in these practices because the Holy Quran, which is considered the word of God, instructs us to do so.
I began my fasting journey when I was five years old. I ate lunch at school, and then I wouldn’t eat anything else until sundown.
As I grew older, I started fasting for the full time. I took pride in my ability to fast when many others my age could not, and I enjoyed sharing my culture with my non-Muslim classmates.
However, over time, I grew tired of answering the same questions, including “So, you don’t eat for 30 days straight?” and “Are you starving yourself?” These are the questions that irritate me the most, and it is especially annoying that the same people ask them every year.
Fasting is not just about not eating; it’s also a time to reflect on our actions.
I also dislike it when my peers tease me by eating in front of me or when they refuse to eat because they feel sorry for me. I know they don’t mean harm, but I wish they would just eat without thinking about my reaction.
However, my favorite aspect of Ramadan is the food. My top choices include basbousa, kunefa, qatayef and rice pudding. These treats are not only delicious but also hold cultural significance, as many generations have eaten these same desserts during Ramadan.
Despite the challenges and misconceptions, Ramadan is still my favorite month of the year because it’s when families and friends gather for iftar to break their fast together and share traditional meals.
This holiday is about spirit and community. It is a time to reconnect with faith, each other and God, which is why I will always cherish Ramadan.
