This time of year is one of the most significant times of the year for Muslims around the world: Ramadan. While I don’t fast during this time, I’ve had the privilege of seeing friends and community members take part in this tradition. Living in such a diverse community has given me an appreciation for the spiritual and collective parts of Ramadan, from the unity of breaking fast together at Iftar to the overall discipline required to fast the entire day.

My experiences with Ramadan come mainly from my close friend, Eesha. Her family is deeply engaged in Pakistani culture, and during Ramadan, their home is filled with the rich aromas of traditional foods. I remember visiting her house just before sunset, watching as she and her family gathered around, waiting for the call to prayer before they could finally take a bite out of their dates to break the fast. I felt the sense of gratitude and patience that was in the air, which left a lasting impact on me.

This year, ten of my friends chose to fast with Eesha. We woke up early to have a feast together before sunrise at her house. School was the hardest part, but because we were all doing it together, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. We all skipped lunch in the cafeteria to hang out in the ceramics room together, where we forgot about our hunger for a while. That evening, we had a long-awaited meal at our favorite restaurant, where we all ate in record timing. Fasting that day gave me a new sense of appreciation for what Eesha does every year and the discipline it requires when you’re surrounded by others who aren’t participating.

Seeing Ramadan celebrations for the second year now showed me the power of intentionality. Whether it’s in the act of fasting, prayer, or giving, there’s a sense of mindfulness that always exists. Seeing my friends have to navigate school, work, and daily responsibilities while fasting has given me a newfound respect for their dedication. Those tasks are hard for me on a normal day – I couldn’t imagine doing it while starving. These practices aren’t just about fasting or praying but about strengthening their communities and their connections with their faith.

Each year, I look forward to Ramadan and learning new things through attending events, learning more about the traditions, or simply supporting my friends as they observe their fasts. I’m grateful for the chance to see the beauty of Ramadan firsthand. It’s a reminder of the ways that religion and culture can bring people together in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.