Ramadan is one of the most sacred holidays for believers in Islam in the United States and abroad. Yet, despite its visibility, it is often misunderstood by the media and non-Muslim public. The concern comes especially as Islamophobia and misinformation continue to rise.

This month-long observance is not just about fasting. For Muslim students and staff at Sacramento State, Ramadan is a time of peace, discipline, community and spiritual renewal.

Rather than focusing only on what is given up during the day, many Muslims say the month is about what is gained spiritually.

Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. Due to this, Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days depending on when the new crescent moon is seen. The lunar calendar is shorter than the standard calendar, so Ramadan moves about 10 to 11 days earlier each year.

In 2026, Ramadan began on Feb. 17 and is expected to end on Saturday evening. During this time, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, meaning they do not eat or drink during daylight hours. They begin their day before dawn with a meal called suhoor and break their fast at sunset with iftar, often starting with dates and water in keeping with the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Their fast is often broken with water and dates at Iftar, a tradition rooted in the Quran.

Taiba Safdari, a third-year biological sciences major who celebrates, said that Ramadan shapes how she moves through her day.

“It holds us more accountable,” Safdari said. “The whole day is like an act of worship. It makes you want to pray on time and just do better.”

Muslims pray five times a day at specific times. During prayer, they face the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, known as the Qibla, and follow a series of movements and recitations.

For Safdari, Ramadan creates a mindset shift by how fasting makes her more aware of her actions throughout the day. It encourages her to be patient, speak kindly and stay consistent with her prayers, Safdari said.

“Sometimes you’re not as consistent,” Safdari said. “Then Ramadan comes and everyone is trying to do better. After, I feel happy and very connected to God. It’s a very peaceful month for me.”

Amna Salameh, the coordinator of the Southwest Asian and North African Center, said a common misconception is that Ramadan is about suffering or punishment.

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“People think it’s about starving yourself,” Salameh said. “It’s the opposite. It’s most people’s favorite month. There’s a sense of peace.”

Salameh explained that fasting is meant to build empathy for those who struggle with hunger and to encourage self reflection. She said that Muslims are also encouraged to increase prayer, give to charity and strengthen their relationship with God, who is often referred to by the Arabic name Allah.

Not everyone is required to fast: those who are sick, traveling, pregnant, menstruating or otherwise unable to fast are exempt and can make up days later if required. Salameh said that due to a chronic illness, she no longer fasts regularly but remains connected to the month through prayer, reading the Quran and attending iftars.

For many students, Ramadan is deeply rooted in the community. After sunset, families and friends gather for iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast. Sarah Alhindi, a fourth-year health science major, said those moments bring people together.

“It’s a time where everybody gets together to eat, no matter how busy you are,” Alhindi said.

To Alhindi, Ramadan makes everyday moments feel intentional. Waiting for sunset, preparing food and gathering around the table become reminders of gratitude, unity and consistency, Alhindi said.

“You fast, you pray, you do religious activities and you give charity,” Alhindi said. “If you’re able to stop something for a month, you’re able to stop it for longer.”

Throughout the month, many Muslims attend Taraweeh prayers at local mosques. Taraweeh are special nightly prayers performed during Ramadan after the evening prayer, where long portions of the Quran are recited.

“You’re just listening and trying not to think about anything except the prayer,” Alhindi said. “It’s comforting.”

Balancing fasting with school can take preparation, students said. Staying hydrated during non-fasting hours and getting enough rest helps them manage long days on campus. Still, many describe the month as spiritually energizing rather than draining.

Safdari said the mindfulness practiced during Ramadan often continues even after the month ends. She said the experience leaves a lasting impact on how she approaches her faith and daily life.

On campus, students say they feel supported practicing their faith, Safdari said she does not hesitate to pray publicly when needed.

“I think that most of us don’t have any problem praying in public,” Safdari said.

The University Union offers a meditation room that students can use for prayer or quiet reflection. Salameh said having access to designated spaces makes observing Ramadan easier for students navigating busy class schedules.

Salameh said that she has also noticed increasing awareness from the broader campus community.

“I really love how familiar people have become with Ramadan here,” Salameh said. “That’s a beautiful feeling.”

For Muslim students, they say that recognition matters. Open conversations help correct false ideas about the holiday and create space for understanding.

As the month progresses, the daily structure of fasting, prayer and gathering becomes part of many students’ routines. Safdari said the discipline of fasting helps stay mindful throughout the day, while Alhindi said evenings spent breaking the fast with family and friends make the month feel especially meaningful. Many Muslims traditionally begin iftar by breaking their fast with dates and water before sharing a larger meal together.

Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, a communal prayer and festive meals to spend time with loved ones. The celebration marks both accomplishment and reflection. After weeks of discipline and intention, many say they leave the month feeling grounded.

For Muslim students and staff at Sac State, Ramadan is not defined by restriction. They say it is defined by growth, strengthens faith, deepens community and builds habits that last beyond 30 days.