Sarah Ali ’25
Ramadan is an exciting time of the year that I, and I’m sure many others, anticipate with joy. It is a chance to seize control over ourselves, mend bad habits, and improve ourselves. An elemental part of Ramadan is fasting, in which we resist eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. We remain steadfast as we repair our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual beings. Still, it can be difficult depending on personal circumstances. With this in mind, I commend our school for supporting fasting Muslim students the way it does.
For example, anyone participating in fasting is exempt from family-style meals, a Mercersburg tradition designed to nurture a healthy community. After the recent years of COVID when it was challenging to engage in this activity, the school is now attempting to pick up the pieces and repair what was lost. Still, they allow Muslim students to be excused from these meals and respect our practice.
Mercersburg also accommodates Suhoor and Iftar, the meals that commence and conclude daily fasts. As a day student, I’m not sure what is being done for the boarding students who fast. From what I’ve heard, though, the dining hall is providing these meals. If this is the case, I further applaud the dining hall staff for their efforts, as these meals can occur at obscure times. Suhoor is extremely early in the morning before sunrise, and Iftar takes place after typical dining hall hours, after sunset.
Still, there are some things I feel could be improved. I’m not sure if there are existing solutions to these, but these are just some suggestions. Firstly, there are five mandatory prayers that Muslims must perform. This is especially important during Ramadan, as we are trying to improve our spiritual beings. I’m not aware of any convenient spaces to pray. As a result, from what I’ve heard, Muslim students are missing their prayers. Also, I feel the school could be a little more considerate about the fact that we are going through days with no food or water, which equates to restricted energy; PGAs and school days can be demanding at times.
Nonetheless, I’m grateful to the school for accommodating us and for what they have already put in place. Mercersburg and the Meriwether-Godsey staff handle the religious practices of Muslims better than other schools that I am familiar with. I appreciate the acknowledgment and respect I have received so far, and I hope the rest of the month runs just as smoothly.