More than 1.8 billions Muslims, including dozens of Redhawks and their families, will be breaking their Ramadan fast Thursday evening at dusk with the start of Eid al-Fitr. One of the five pillars of Islam, the month-long fast of Ramadan is believed to have begun in approximately 622 A.D. But despite its lengthy history, non-Muslim knowledge of Ramadan was limited in some parts of the world.

However, with the growing population of Muslims in Frisco, perceptions of Ramadan have changed according to some Redhawks. 

“The amount of people that came up to me the first day and wished me Happy Ramadan was insane,” junior Zikra Mohammed said. “It’s nice to see that support without going out to look for it, which I think is one of the most important things to have in a school community. Now people understand and instead of asking why I’m fasting, they are more supportive and ask genuine questions, rather than what seems like critiquing my religion.”

Throughout campus some teachers, such as Humanities teacher Sarah Wiseman, have hung up posters or decorations about Ramadan in order to convey a comforting visual signal of openness and comfort within their classrooms. 

“Everybody likes to see themselves and their identity represented,” Wiseman said. “I think it’s important to acknowledge Ramadan specifically because we have a large Muslim student population.”

In the past couple of years an increasing number of school districts have acknowledged Ramadan celebrations and those numbers only continue to rise.

“I think it’s really important to have that sort of representation because it makes you feel seen,” Mohammed said. “I know I was walking down the hallways and Mrs.Wiseman had decorations up for Ramadan and I thought that was so cool because we don’t really see it as the norm. Schools celebrate Christmas and Christian holidays but when I see inclusion of my own religion I feel seen and heard.”

Research has shown that students in a school environment which fosters and celebrates religious diversity, thrive more in their academic and personal lives. 

“I think support from teachers and the administration can really help when it comes to things like extensions and due dates when it comes to things like Ramadan,” junior Abdurraheem Sheikh said. “We have to stay up late in the night for prayers and for that reason, the amount of sleep is decreasing during this month. So getting leniency from teachers is very helpful and appreciated during this time.”

Rather than explain the idea of fasting, Sheikh believes it’s important to explain the intention and meaning behind the act.

“One way I believe we can increase awareness of Ramadan is to talk about why we do Ramadan rather than just the notion of fasting,” Sheikh said. “Oftentimes we simply say that we are fasting but we need to now take the extra step to explain the purpose and intention behind why we fast.”

Trying to provide a supportive and uplifting atmosphere is something Wiseman says is important. 

“Everybody likes being shown basic human dignity and compassion and it’s when it’s not your culture it’s easy to not know,” Wiseman said. “But I think if you take the time to learn it shows you care and can help build good relationships.”