By Michela Gritti
As millions of Muslims around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan, students and staff at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke are taking part in a tradition centered on reflection, discipline and community.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset. During daylight hours, Muslims abstain from food and water, using the time to focus on worship, self-discipline and spiritual growth. When the sun sets, families and friends gather to break their fast in a meal known as iftar. Many also wake before dawn for a pre-fast meal called suhoor, meant to nourish and hydrate the body for the day ahead.
For UNCP student Bilal Nisar, from Pakistan, Ramadan is a time he looks forward to each year.
“Ramadan is a happiness that only comes once a year, and I eagerly wait for it,” Nisar said. “It feels like a spiritual journey where I’m always trying to become a better version of myself.”
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and holds deep religious meaning. Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed during this month, making Ramadan a time of increased worship and reflection. The practice of fasting is also meant to build empathy by allowing people to experience hunger and become more aware of those who struggle with food insecurity year-round.
Nisar said fasting alongside other Muslims strengthens his sense of discipline and awareness.
“Fasting from sunup to sundown helps me practice patience and self-discipline,” he said. “It makes me think about people who sleep on empty stomachs because they don’t have basic necessities like food, and it pushes me to think about ways to help them.”
At UNCP, the beginning of Ramadan was marked by Ahlan Ramadan, an event hosted by the Office of Global Engagement. The gathering featured traditional foods from Arab countries, dates and Arabic music, creating a welcoming space for Muslim students as well as those interested in learning more about the holy month.
After a full day of fasting the moment of breaking the fast means much more than just nourishing the body.
“Iftar feels like a reward after a day of trying to be a better version of myself,” Nisar said. “It motivates me to continue the next day.”
Ramadan is also about stepping away from excess and reconnecting with gratitude. Janna Fahmy, an immigration specialist and ELI coordinator at UNCP, said the month encourages reflection and mindfulness.
“Ramadan is a period of reflection and remembrance,” Fahmy said. “It is an opportunity for us to step outside our normal routine of excess and instant gratification.”
She added that fasting fosters empathy and generosity.
“Through fasting, we practice patience and self-control,” Fahmy said. “We’re reminded to be grateful for what we take for granted and to feel compassion for those less fortunate, giving charitably from what we have.”
The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a major celebration marked by prayer, food and time spent with loved ones. For Muslim students and staff at UNCP, Ramadan is not only a religious observance, but also a moment to build community, share culture and feel seen on campus.