Flag Raising Ceremony Students’ Sharing 2025-2-27

Arham, Zara and Zynah, students from Form 5 Juniper and Form 2 Juniper respectively, are siblings from a Muslim family. Ramadan, a holy month observed by millions of muslims around the world, will take place soon. The students are sharing about the significance of this sacred moment in the Islamic calendar as it is a period of time about reflection, peace and worship.

Written by Zara Ateeq, Zynah Ateeq (Form 2) & Arham Ateeq (Form 5)

Arham: Good morning everyone, I’m Arham. 

Zara: I’m Zara. 

Zynah: And I’m Zynah. 

Arham: Today, we are here to share about Ramadan, a holy month observed by millions of muslims around the world. For muslims, this period of time is about reflection, peace, and worship. Just like the lunar calendar, muslims follow the Islamic calendar where Ramadan is the 9th month. During this month, muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drinks. Muslims fast in this month in order to learn self-discipline, find inner peace and worship to form a deeper connection with God, as well as to empathize with those that are less fortunate than us. During Ramadan, muslims will engage in increased prayers, recite the Qur’an, which is the religious text of Islam, as well as acts of charity. Ramadan ends in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr a festive holiday that marks the end of fasting, where families will come together and share meals. 

Zara: Growing up, Ramadan has always been a period of time when I look forward to. I remember my parents explaining the significance of fasting when I was a child, and I was always excited to grow up so that I could fast like my parents. Now, when I have reached the age that I can fast, I can definitely say that fasting can be challenging sometimes, especially at the beginning and at the end of the month. However, these challenges have taught me valuable lessons about patience and gratitude. There are many people out there who don’t have the blessings to be offered sufficient food and water. When these things are taken away, you will feel grateful for what you have in the purest form and pray to god to help those who are suffering. 

Zynah: We, as a family, wake up every day at around 4 a.m. during this month to have our pre-fast meal which is called suhoor. Suhoor is essential as we have to eat to equip our body with nutrients that can help provide us with energy to sustain us throughout the day. For me, waking up in the middle of my sleep is very tough. But as soon as I hear my name being yelled, I am quickly running out of my room to meet my family and eat. Suhoor is not only just about eating, but also a moment of connection with my family. We share stories, laugh, and pray together during this time which creates a sense of togetherness that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. 

Zara: After a day of work, Iftar is the time during sunset when muslims break their fast, typically eating a date (fruit),  and drinking water first. This is my favourite part of the day because seeing a table full of food after a long fast always makes me feel grateful. During this time, we reflect on our day, express gratitude for the food we are able to have and enjoy the company of our family. 

Arham: I do have to say, Ramadan in Hong Kong is not the same as Ramadan in my home country, Pakistan. I have only gotten the chance to spend Ramadan in Pakistan once, and it was truly the best Ramadan I have ever experienced. Being part of this bigger community where the majority of the country is fasting, and having suhoor as well as Iftar with the bigger extended family will always serve as a core memory for me because of how much fun I had in this sense of community and togetherness. In this big community, the streets were filled with vibrant lights and decorations while the markets were filled with people shopping for special foods and clothes. Families and neighbours also came together when it was time for Iftar and Suhoor. 

Zara: Charity is also a significant part of Ramadan. During this month, muslims donate to those who are less fortunate, and also distribute meals to them. Back in Pakistan, my family distributed food every day outside our house to the poor so that they could break their fast and enjoy a good meal. In Hong Kong, my family will prepare a meal a few times in the month to be distributed, along with donating to different charities. 

Zynah: You may wonder how you can support your muslim peers who are fasting. You can respect their space during this time. If you see a muslim peer looking tired, he/she is most likely affected by the new sleep schedule. Please be mindful of this and try not to overstimulate them by talking too much and loudly. Saying things like ‘I feel bad for you’ or ‘You can’t even drink water?!’ It does not really help as it may come off as disrespectful. We do fasting in Ramadan because we have the choice to, we are not being forced. Additionally, trying to tempt them with food and water is never the right thing to do. We are not stopping you from eating and drinking, but please don’t rub it in our faces. 

Arham: With all this being said, thank you for listening. We wish all muslims fasting this month a Happy Ramadan! 

All: Thank You.