Everything accelerates as students prepare for spring break. Long nights are spent studying for midterms, all while keeping up with classes, other assignments and everyday responsibilities.

For some students, this time of academic pressure overlaps with something much bigger.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, typically lasting 29 or 30 days. During the holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, during which they abstain from consuming foods, drinks, smoking and other activities, and instead focus on prayer. This year, Ramadan began on Feb. 18 and will end on March 19 with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, or the “the festival of breaking the fast.”

But Ramadan is about more than just a month of fasting.

“Beyond just not eating or drinking, it’s really about spiritual growth, self-discipline, gratitude and strengthening your relationship with God,” said Diederick Ojeda, treasurer of the university’s Muslim Student Association (MSA). “It’s meant to reset you mentally, physically and spiritually.”

Ojeda, who also goes by his Muslim name, Nurislam, given to him by members of the Muslim community, said the purpose of fasting is to build self-discipline and control, while also deepening one’s spiritual awareness.

“It teaches us gratitude and empathy for those in need,” said Ojeda.

Ojeda also said how the month of Ramadan offers him a time to reflect.

“It’s when we, as Muslims, are required to focus ourselves to be better in the eyes of Allah (SWT) and to be better to each other, but also to take the time to think about how we wish to carry ourselves moving forward, especially after Ramadan,” said Ojeda. “It’s easy to fall back into bad habits or unhealthy habits, but if we truly wish to be better, then I think it’s time to accept change.”

SWT is an abbreviation for “Subhanahu wa ta’ala,” meaning “Glory be to Him, the Exalted.”

As a month dedicated to spiritual significance and reflection, Ramadan can present students with distinct challenges when it comes to balancing their academic responsibilities with religious observances.

“The hardest challenge, I think, is having to study, do assignments and work my brain while also working around the school’s schedule for dining and the rec center,” said Ojeda.

Regardless of the challenges he faces, Ojeda said how he incorporates the traditions of Ramadan with his schedule as a college student.

“I get through it by waking up early around 4:30 a.m. for suhoor, which is the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins (about an hour before sunrise). Suhoor focuses on eating well and hydrating plenty,” he said. “This requires discipline because if I don’t wake up on time, I miss the opportunity to properly prepare for the fast.”

“Because of this, I have to be strict with my sleep schedule, eating habits, hydration, and productivity. As I’ve gotten better at disciplining myself, it’s not as difficult to go about my day. I know what to expect, so I prepare adequately by practicing healthy habits, sleeping well, staying productive and exercising at night after breaking my fast.”

Ojeda also said how professors’ understanding of what students take part in during Ramadan helps with those challenges.

“I think my professors are understanding in that they wouldn’t be harsh on me if I’m not performing at my sharpest because of fasting,” he said. “Personally, since I’ve become more disciplined, it hasn’t been as difficult to manage my day. But having professors who are understanding definitely helps.”

The MSA hosts different events during the month which are open to all. On Feb. 20, they hosted an event as an introduction to Ramadan and provided iftar, the meal eaten after sunset to break a fast.

“During Ramadan, we host iftar every Friday around sunset, which is when we break our fast,” Ojeda said. “Our goal is to help Muslim students feel at home on campus, so we do our best to accommodate them. After the meal, we hold a group prayer to make the night more special. All students are welcome, including non-Muslims. If anyone has Muslim friends without Friday night plans, we encourage them to spread the word that the MSA is hosting iftar.”

For more information on events being hosted by the MSA, visit their Instagram, @unh_msa.