Maram Saleh, a fifth-grader at Circleville Elementary School,  is observing Ramadan, the holiest month of the year for those of the Muslim faith. During Ramadan, which runs from March 10 through April 9 this year, Muslims pray, commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an and fast from eating and drinking from sunrise to sundown.

Fasting is not the easiest thing to do for a kid at school. But Maram has some support. Her teacher, Robin Conklin, joined her in her fast the first week of Ramadan, as did her friend, Valentina Islam. And it wasn’t Ms. Conklin’s first time – she had Maram’s sister in her class two years ago and fasted with her. Maram expected  she would do the same with her. Ms. Conklin didn’t disappoint.

 

 

“We spend lunch periods here in the classroom,” said Ms. Conklin. “We play board games and talk.”

Maram explained that Ramadan isn’t just about fasting. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It’s about self-discipline and reflection on your behavior. It is also a time to help people less fortunate than you are. She started observing Ramadan and participating when she was just seven years old. Her family gets up before sunrise to pray and have breakfast together. That is all the nourishment they get until sundown.

When the sun sets, Maram said, the family gathers together for prayers and a feast. They eat many traditional dishes and desserts. They have a good, healthy salad with rice, cauliflower and potatoes and stuffed dough with meat, potato and cheese, one of her favorites.

“I love the holiday. It’s nice,” said Maram. “We get to be with our family and reflect on ourselves to be better people. It’s a beautiful holiday. We love it.”

Maram shares her traditions with her classmates too. That way they understand why she is fasting.

Ms. Conklin said she partakes because it is such an important part of Maram’s life and she wants her to feel she is not alone.

“It is so important to Maram and I want her to know she is important to me,” said Ms. Conklin, explaining why she decided to fast with Maram. “If you say to your students that you’re a part of their life, then you have to show you’re a part of their life. I want the kids to know when I’m in, I’m all in.”

Maram is an exceptional student and an even better human being, Ms. Conklin said. She is close to her family, especially her sister Jenna, who is her best friend. She is a peer mentor to a kindergarten student, reading and talking to him once a week. She is a talented artist and loves to play volleyball and soccer.

Ramadan Mubarak – a blessed Ramadan – to all who observe.