Ramadan is a holy month practiced by Muslims worldwide. It is a month of reflection, prayer, and self-restraint. Beyond fasting from dawn to sunset (yes, water, too), it’s a transformative period promoting charity, togetherness, and spiritual growth.
Muslims are called to abstain from backbiting, lying, overconsumption, and other negative behaviors. It’s a time focused on giving to charity and fostering togetherness, evident in the frequent gatherings for “Iftar” (the meal to break the fast at sunset). Additionally, there’s an emphasis on prayer, with Muslims already performing five daily prayers and adding an extra “Taraweeh” prayer at night, typically an hour after Iftar, often performed in mosques.
As a law student, my day-to-day life varies, but I strive to maintain a balance between my studies, work, and spirituality. This year, my schedule was vastly different from 1L, which required a more rigid routine. Additionally, during Ramadan, the timing for fasting changes throughout the month, affecting both the start and end times of fasting. Towards the end of Ramadan, I began waking up earlier and breaking my fast later in the day.
First, I wake up at around 5 a.m. for my pre-dawn meal, Suhoor. At this time, I have a light breakfast and drink as much water as my body can stomach. This meal is in preparation for my ~14-hour fast.
At this point, I pray the “Fajir” prayer— the day’s first prayer that marks the beginning of fasting. If possible, this meal is typically spent with family, so I’ll usually FaceTime my mom to check in on her. Next, I read a few pages of the Quran. Depending on the day and my schedule, I’ll take a quick nap afterward, around 7 am, or start my day right after prayer. Personally, I like to take advantage of my peak brain power and start working.
Next, I start getting ready for a work-from-home day. I get dressed because I have class immediately afterward. My practicum starts at 9 am, I usually begin my day with meetings, followed by checking the work calendar to check for other work meetings/events for the day. At this point, I begin my assignments for the day.
At around 1:15 pm, I take my “no lunch break.” I perform a pre-prayer cleaning (Wudu) and pray the second prayer of the day, which is Duhur. This typically takes me 10 minutes. I then try to get a couple of pages of the Quran read for the remainder of my break. I then resume my work day until 5 p.m. At this point, I quickly perform the third prayer of the day—Asr—before heading to catch the subway for class. Before heading out, I like to pack my water bottle and a small snack, as I will have to break my fast in class today.
I arrive at class right on time at 5:30 PM. Today, I have Trial Advocacy II, which typically lasts around 8:30 PM, but we get out early sometimes. I typically like to present my motion/argument at the outset of class so I can step outside to break my fast. This week was a mediation week, meaning the entirety of the class was the performance. Around 7:30 PM, while my team was asked to step outside for a bit while the other team deliberated, I quickly headed to the Interfaith prayer room, where I prayed the 4th Prayer of the day— Maghrib, which marks the time for breaking the fast. This time, I broke my fast on water and date and quickly headed back to the classroom. The mediation went on until 8:30 PM, and at that point, I headed home to eat a full meal.
When I get home, I have a quick Iftar consisting of delicious Arab food—including a chicken shawarma bowl or whatever leftovers I conjure up. I then get dressed in my long gown and prepare for the mosque.
At around 9 PM, my friend picked me up for the Taraweeh prayer, and we headed over to the mosque, which was a bit late due to my class. We greeted familiar faces and began our final prayer for the night- Isha and the extra Ramadan Taraweeh prayers. The prayer tonight focused on those worldwide suffering under siege during Ramadan. We prayed for their liberation and justice and reflected on how we can be better Muslims. My friend and I left the mosque around 10:30 pm, and I headed home. I had a quick snack and attempted to finish some work— usually readings for my class the next day, although this can vary.
I then get ready for bed, shower, prepare my suhoor— pre-dawn meal for the morning, and catch some sleep.
While my days as a law student may vary, this offers a glimpse into my typical routine. Occasionally, I don’t have an early practicum or late classes, allowing for some extra sleep before the day begins. Yet, this is the rhythm of my life in law school. Some days, I don’t manage to make it to the mosque for the late-night prayer, while others involve sharing Iftar with friends. This is just a snapshot of Ramadan’s busy yet beautiful month—a time filled with reflection and togetherness.
Balancing class preparation, work commitments, and attending classes themselves can make the month feel even more packed. So, during Ramadan, it’s important to be mindful of friends and classmates who are fasting. They’ve likely had long days, limited sleep, and spiritual and familial responsibilities to fulfill.
Despite the fatigue that may come with it, we deeply cherish this blessed month. The moments spent with loved ones, in prayer, and practicing gratitude make every bit of effort worthwhile and infuse us with renewed energy.
I’m truly grateful for another opportunity to experience Ramadan.
May Peace Be With You,
Suzane Nazir
