By Archangel Apolonio, Staff Reporter
Sunset on Feb. 28 marked the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan for nearly two billion Muslims around the world. The month—the ninth of the Islamic lunar calendar—is a sacred time for Muslims, and notably marked by 30 days of fasting from sunrise until sunset. Fasting during the month represents one of the five core tenets of Islamic belief.
At CSUDH, Muslim Toros strive to make the most of the month while meeting their everyday demands and responsibilities on- and off-campus. Zaid Kamil, a graduate computer science student, told The Bulletin that he remembers fasting a child and thinking that practice was the end-all, be-all of the month.
“As I grew older, I began to realize that it was more spiritual,” said Kamil, who serves as the treasurer of the Muslim Student Union at Dominguez Hills. “You start to understand what it’s like for those who don’t have access to food and water—you are able to be in their shoes for a while.”
A brief history of Ramadan
Ramadan holds historical significance in Islam, as it is the time when Muslims believe God first revealed the Qur’an to the prophet Muhammad in the year 610 A.D. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ar-ramad, meaning “scorching heat”—by observing the month faithfully,
Muslims seek to enhance their spiritual well-being by correcting bad habits and addressing shortcomings in their daily religious practices. The ultimate goal, they say, is to develop a deeper awareness of God—referred to as Allah in Islam and by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews.
“During Ramadan, I pray more, and I feel more connected to God because I’m not distracted by other desires,” Kamil explained.
Observing Ramadan at Dominguez Hills
The demands of school and work take on a different dimension for Muslim Toros during Ramadan, the start of which shifts about 10-12 days every year. While students wouldn’t spare a second thought about grabbing a snack, a sip of water, or lunch at Loker Student Union between classes—all of which are off-limits to Muslims who are able to fast. (Muslims who are unable to fast due to illness or other health reasons are exempt from the practice and instead give to charity as compensation for the missed days.)
For CSUDH alumna Arafat Olokodana, a typical day during this month begins with a pre-dawn meal.
“We wake up before fajr, the morning prayer, to have a fulfilling meal—usually something not too heavy, like oatmeal or yogurt,” Olokodana said.
Olokodana told The Bulletin Ramadan is a deeply personal journey of reflection and growth. She said the month provides an opportunity to pause, reassess priorities, and seek self-improvement in both faith and daily life.
“I usually ask myself tough questions like, ‘Am I living according to my values?’ or ‘What can I do better?’ Or ‘How can I contribute to a more positive world?’,” she said, adding that prayer and charity are other essential aspects of the month.
Muslims are obligated to pray five times a day, but many strive to increase their prayers during Ramadan. While on campus, some Muslim students use the Meditation Room in LSU to fulfill this duty.
“It is a time for Muslims to deepen their connection with Allah through increased worship,” Olokodana explained. “During Ramadan, the emphasis on prayer intensifies, and you get stronger spiritually.”
After breaking their fast at sunset (iftar), many Muslims head to their local mosque for taraweeh, a set of supplemental congregational prayers performed specifically during Ramadan.
“There are also lectures that teach us more about Islam, and sometimes they provide food after prayers,” said Kamil, the MSU treasurer. “Most mosques offer meals for iftar, which really brings the community together.”
Studies show fasting may offers health benefits
While fasting carries spiritual benefits for Muslims, research suggests the practice may also offer some health benefits. Intermittent fasting for just a few hours each day or on alternating days may help to improve cognition, blood pressure, and lower the risk or effects of certain illnesses like Type 2 diabetes. According to Dr. Sophia Momand, a family physician with Student Health Services, fasting can help to decrease proteins in the body called cytokines.
“Cytokines are messengers that talk to the immune cells, and they can cause a lot of trouble for us. They can cause body inflammation, leading to autoimmune attacks,” Dr. Momand told The Bulletin. “Fasting decreases cytokines and thereby reduces inflammation in the body. It increases white cells called macrophages … These cells eat up bacteria and viruses to help our immune system.”
Dr. Momand emphasized how Ramadan can boost mental health, since Muslims are also tasked to practice mindfulness and avoid negative or derogatory speech toward others. “We’re not allowed to gossip or get angry—not that we do anyway, but humans can sometimes falter.”
“During Ramadan, you’re much more conscious and aware of being in a righteous state—being pious and conscious of God,” Dr. Momand said. “You’re practicing self-control, so it teaches us to appreciate God’s blessings.”
