Ramadan started Sunday May 5. Muslims are expected to fast at the beginning of a sunrise until the end of a sunset. In case you aren’t familiar with the word “fast” it’s when you aren’t allowed to intake any foods, liquids, or anything that you can taste in general; so yes, gum too. Muslims do this because they want to develop better self-control and get a better understanding of God’s gifts that he has set here on Earth. I personally know a handful of people here at Hunter High School who are currently fasting and was able to set up a interview with two of them this morning.

Rustam Kurudian is a Muslim who is currently fasting for Ramadan. I asked how it feels going a whole day without food. “It’s really rough, you feel drained and feel like your body has no energy what so ever. But at the end of the day you feel amazing being able to finally get your body some food, while you’re eating you just feel great; it really teaches me how grateful and lucky I am for having a breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday.”

Magdi Taha is a baseball player for Hunter High School and is also fasting for Ramadan. I asked how he’s able to play baseball with no food or water in his body. “My coaches take it a little easier on me because I’m dehydrated and don’t have as much energy as the other guys, but it’s still hard. I just keep my passion for baseball and my religion in mind and it gets me through the practices and games.”