Abeer Misbahuddin

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is one of the holiest months for Muslims. Within this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for 29/30 days. The Islamic Calendar follows the moon in which the commencement of each month is identified by the birth of a new moon/ lunar cycle. There are two ways to “sight” the moon, actual moon sighting or going based off of calculations. There is major controversy on which one to use however, Islam is all about unity and puts emphasis on the fact that a person should follow the way of the community. Here in Champaign-Urbana, the local mosque, Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center (CIMIC) follows calculations in which all the Muslims on campus and in the area follow.

“Nature for my family and I is a form of escape. We leave everything behind and try to look at life with a new perspective. It makes us happy and gives us a fresh breath of air each time. As a mother of a disabled kid, going outside and nature is his main way of freedom. It makes him happy and allows him to feel happy and free. Going outside also allows my kids to interact with each other and the scenery around them. Every time we go out and see the trees and the sea we remind ourselves that there are things in life to always look forward to in any situation. We meet new people who give me advice. It also shows my kids how to be respectful of not only each other but the space around them.”