Mansour Shaikh, a freshman MBA student: “Ramadan, to me, is more than just fasting—it’s a time to reconnect with my faith, reflect deeply, and work on becoming a better version of myself. It’s a time where I can clear out the noise and distractions of everyday life and refocus on what really matters: gratitude, patience, discipline, and compassion. Fasting is very physically challenging, it reminds me of the blessings I often take for granted—like a sip of water or a warm meal. Being away from home during Ramadan definitely feels different as can’t meet up with relatives and friends for eid also can’t have the same type of mood we use to get back home.”
Sheikh Abdallah Manneh, a senior computer science major: “Ramadan for me is a test. I like to test myself in the most spiritual way possible. Most people see it as starvation and dehydration from sunrise to sunset, but it’s much deeper than that. It’s a challenge to yourself to see just how strong you are mentally and physically. It helps improve the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you think, breathe, and express yourself. To be able to center yourself around Allah SWT and limit yourself from sin, is simply just a testimony to how strong you are and can be with God as your guidance.”
Ahad Lalani, a sophomore MBA student: “Ramadan is an important month in Islam and I like the fact that everyone during this month has a focus on becoming better in their habits overall and to me, it means not just spiritual betterment but also physical and mental as well. Celebrating Eid is a bit difficult away [from home] as I’ve always celebrated Eid with my family but thankfully I have made friends here who I can celebrate Eid with.”
Dr. Monayem Mazmuder, an SVSU professor: “Ramadan holds a profound significance for me. It’s a month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and devotion to faith. The essence of Ramadan lies in its multifaceted approach to personal growth, encompassing physical fasting, emotional resilience, and spiritual rejuvenation. Celebrating Eid away from home can be a bittersweet experience. While I’m grateful for the opportunity to observe this special occasion in a new environment, I often find myself missing the warmth and familiarity of family gatherings. To make up for it, I try to connect with fellow Muslims in my community, sharing traditional foods, stories, and prayers.”
