On behalf of ACSA’s Arab-American Administrator Network, members from various countries and religions, we would like to share some information about the upcoming month of Ramadan.

California is home to approximately 500,000 Muslims according to a U.S. Census poll of religions, second to the state of New York. Every year, Muslims observe a holy month of worship called Ramadan. Muslims fast each day of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This year, the dates of Ramadan are expected to fall within Friday, Feb. 28, until Saturday, March 29. The Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, and while these are the calculated expected dates of Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon sightings or lack thereof. The day after the end of Ramadan is a religious holiday called Eid-al-Fitr.

For each day of Ramadan, fasting consists of abstaining from eating or drinking, including water and medicine, while the sun is out. Once the sun has set, Muslims break their fast with a meal called “iftar” in Arabic. Iftar is generally a community-focused meal, where family members and friends come together for the blessed occasion. Afterward, eating and drinking during the night is allowed until dawn the next day. Muslims usually begin fasting around the age of 10-16 years old. Young children, the elderly, travelers, and pregnant or nursing women are not required to fast. Illness may also prevent fasting. For Muslims, Ramadan is much more than abstaining from food and drink. It is a month that exemplifies the Islamic values of gratitude, kinship, spirituality and charity.

During Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to pray extra nightly prayers and participate in other religious practices throughout the day and night, when possible. They will often wake up or stay up until “suhur,” a pre-dawn meal.

While Muslims are expected to meet their daily schedule obligations for school and work, some accommodations are needed to be successful while fully engaged in the various aspects of Ramadan. Students and families may request religious accommodations during Ramadan as they may not have the stamina to do rigorous physical or mental work. We encourage them to have this conversation before the month begins. Accommodations could include restrictions concerning physical education classes or sports practices and games, due to low energy levels as a result of abstaining from food and drink. AB 2377 provides accommodations in physical education classes for fasting students. Accommodations should also be made for students and staff to engage in prayers.

Students should also have accommodations on Eid-al-Fitr if it falls on a school day. This is a time for celebration after a month-long fast. Students should be excused from their regular schedules on that day, including taking any exams and attending class. Parents are expected to call in an excused absence to observe this religious activity.

Before Ramadan begins, we encourage you to speak with students and staff who you know will be fasting to discuss how Ramadan may change participation and energy levels. Consider changing lessons to avoid food-centric events and high-energy activities. While some students may want to preserve their energy during the fast, others may push themselves and increase their activity level. Each student is different in their ability to observe the fast and will make choices accordingly. Your support will allow them to fulfill their class requirements while being spiritually engaged in the rituals of Ramadan.