Maryam Khan
For the first time in a long time, students this year experienced the Holy month of Ramadan at home for its entirety. Although not what we are used to, students of all ages across NLCS Dubai found a new way to adapt to the quarantine restrictions whilst participating in the annual Holy month.
Having to balance online school and fasting this year was definitely a unique experience. Thus, adapting to the new schooling environment was essential in getting the most out of this Holy month. Therefore, much like a normal school day I personally found that creating a routine that has an emphasis on balancing school work and religious requirements was the way I could succeed this month. However, this was much easier said than done.
Due to the fact that we were home for all hours of the day, it was difficult to focus constantly in lessons throughout the day as we would be preparing for Suhoor before sunrise, the night before. It was important to prioritize alongside my necessary schoolwork, the revision needed for my end of year exams. As well as this, EE and TOK had just been established which was another aspect to consider. The first week of the quarantined Ramadan was definitely a challenge in balancing all aspects of school and spiritually taking place in this Holy month.
However, after settling into the routine I created. I made sure I would finish school by 2:30 as I gave myself extra time to finish outstanding work. I was able to find time to focus on Ramadan during the day, allowing myself time in the evening to focus on revision. Thus, I was able to find that work-life balance. From time to time on the odd occasion, I would find myself de-motivated for the day but giving yourself a day to pick back up was essential in making sure you achieve what you need for this Holy month.
Although a unique experience of Ramadan, I felt as though NLCS students truly welcomed the challenge head on.
Additional Information:
Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar and is said to be the holiest month for Muslims. We are expected to fast, abstaining from food, water and other actions from sunrise to sunset every day for the entirety of the month; however, there are exceptions for the sick, the travelling and the old. Suhoor is the meal typically eaten before sunrise and Iftar is the meal in which we break our fast. It is customary to open our fast with a date and spend Ramadan as a time of reflection and spirituality. Not all Muslims celebrate Ramadan the same, but all Muslims partake in Ramadan and understand it’s importance being one of our fundamental pillars of Islam.
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