RAMADAN has begun, and Muslim students and staff across the district are observing the Month of Compassion as part of their faith over the next 30 days.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims pray, reflect, give to community, and fast between sunrise and sunset. Muslims partake in suhur, a breakfast before dawn, and iftar, a meal to break their fast at sunset, but otherwise abstain from food or drink throughout the day. Children, nursing and pregnant women, the elderly, people who are ill and travellers are exempt from fasting.

L.A. Matheson Secondary vice-principal Naela Aslam’s Muslim heritage was embraced in her closeknit Muslim community while growing up in Abbotsford, but Ramadan was otherwise a foreign concept to her peers compared to its acknowledgment and acceptance in schools today.

“I didn’t talk too much about it at school because no one really understood. Kids thought it was kind of weird because there was a lack of awareness about it,” said Aslam. “I would kind of keep it to myself, which was a little more isolating.

“Now, as an educator in Surrey Schools in 2024, I can see how it’s more celebrated and there’s more understanding, more awareness about Ramadan, which is so nice for our students.”

École Panorama Ridge Secondary teacher Imene Zine had a similar experience, immigrating to Canada in 1999 from Tunisia, where approximately 98% of the population is Muslim. She said adjusting to life in B.C. – especially in the month of Ramadan – was a culture shock, despite her home country’s proximity to Europe and countries of other religious majorities.

“In Tunisia and in most Muslim countries, the day’s schedule during Ramadan changes according to prayer time – we get shorter classes, the work day is shorter, there is a lot of consideration to people who are fasting and practising,” said Zine. “Versus here, especially the first few years, when I talked about Ramadan, people didn’t know what it was. Some people thought it was just one day.

“This was 25 years ago – now I think that people are more aware and educated, but at the time, it was very different.”

Both Surrey schools have growing Muslim populations, and Aslam said L.A. Matheson’s students have been supported in hosting an annual iftar dinner near the start of Ramadan. This year’s dinner takes place Thursday, March 14, with trivia games, a kids table and, in the spirit of charity, a fundraiser for Islamic Relief.

“It’s a great way for the L.A. Matheson community to come together and spread that sense of belonging and facilitate that openness,” said Aslam. “Many in our community are newcomers as well, so it raises awareness that they’re welcome at the school. We recognize who you are and want to celebrate who you are.”

Likewise, Zine said the Muslim population has become more visible at École Panorama Ridge in recent years, and Ramadan serves as a good reminder to be more culturally sensitive towards students and staff who may be fasting and on a different sleep schedule during the month (due to early morning and late night prayers) that may affect their performance in school.

“The Muslim representation is pretty noticeable, especially for women like myself wearing hijabs, and the presence is there,” said Zine. “I can see the difference when the holiday is acknowledged versus when nobody knows about it or hears about it. I would love that all students feel accepted and welcome, especially for Ramadan.

“It makes a big difference when a teacher is aware that Ramadan has started and they understand what fasting is. The small things matter the most.”

Various secondary schools in Surrey have Muslim Student Associations (MSA’s) hosting similar daytime learning and cultural events during Ramadan, and celebrations such as an iftar after school.

“Building community and acknowledging and learning about the similarities and differences of identity is an important part of education,” said JB Mahli, Director of Instruction for the district’s Racial Equity department. “We know Ramadan is such an important time for all our Muslim students, staff and families, and we look forward to learning and celebrating in our school communities. We also acknowledge that this is a difficult time for many Muslims who face forms of oppression around the world. We are fortunate to be able to learn, work and play together in schools where everyone’s cultural and religious background is valued and celebrated.”