From Feb. 17 to March 19 of 2026, millions of Americans will fast for Ramadan, a holy period of restraint and spiritual focus for Muslims. During this period, practicing individuals focus on their relationship with God and deny many in urges in pursuit of such spiritual development.

Although Islam is the second largest religion on Earth, spanning across hundreds of countries, cultural differences are prominent between regions; impacting how many celebrate and observe such a celebration.

“I’m Egyptian, and I grew up learning Arabic because my parents wanted me to be more connected to my background and also understand the Quran and what it’s saying instead of just relying on translations,” Noor Ghanem, a GBHS junior ethnically Egyptian, said.

With current and historical conflicts in the Middle East, the events on Sept. 11, 2001, and Islamophobia in western countries; misconceptions about the faith have become more widespread.

“I think a lot of people assume, especially in America, that Islam is this oppressive religion… when really it’s not the religion, it’s the culture of the people,” Mariyam Arif, president of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), a GBHS sophomore who is ethnically Pakistani, said. “In places like Iran, for example, women are forced to cover their hair or aren’t allowed to go to school… and the government is pushing Islam onto people. But that’s completely against Islam. In Islam…you can teach people about Islam in a respectful way, but not force your religion on anyone.”

 Western media has also had its role in depicting Islam as involuntary, or generalizing statements that may not be applicable to certain areas, particularly towards women. However, many Muslims argue these interpretations are falsely shaped by Western narratives, and do not reflect modern attitudes.

“I’ve seen countless movies or TV show episodes where a girl will take her hijab off for a man or just take her hijab off because she’s being forced to wear it…but my family has been really encouraging,” Arif said.

Despite differences in cultural practices, many traditions during Ramadan remain universally celebrated. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, break their fast with a meal called iftar, and often attend nightly prayers. However, the foods, celebrations and familial customs associated with Ramadan differ regionally; whether it be Indonesia, Egypt, Morocco, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Chad…the list can go on.

“I have this traditional dress called a shalwar kameez… with sequins and really nice fabric. I love wearing it because it makes me feel connected to my culture,” Noor Abedin, an Omani-Indian sophomore at GBHS, said.

At Granite Bay, it has become common practice for a non-Muslim friend to fast with a practicing peer as a gesture of solidarity and respect. However, some Muslims believe Ramadan extends beyond restraint of consumption.

“A lot of people say, ‘Oh, I’ll fast with you,’ but they have to understand that fasting isn’t just not eating or drinking for 12 hours… it’s also about restraint and holding yourself back from things you know you shouldn’t be doing,” Noor Ghanem, a GBHS junior, said. “Just try not to curse or make [your Muslim friend] lie…because they aren’t supposed to be doing that.”

Additionally, differences in language and cultural interpretation have shaped how Muslims around the world engage with their religion. Because the Quran was originally written in Arabic, many non-Arabic speaking Muslims rely on translations to understand its meaning, affecting how they engage with their faith.

“The language of the Quran is Arabic, and obviously I speak Urdu… so for a lot of non-Arabic speaking Muslims, it can be more difficult to fully understand certain aspects of the religion… we often have to read an English translation,” Arif said.

Despite these linguistic and cultural differences, many students say the central purpose of Ramadan remains consistent interregionally: reflection, discipline, and community.

For Muslim students at Granite Bay High School, the month often becomes an opportunity to both practice their faith and share aspects of their culture with others. While traditions may vary depending on family background or region, the values of patience, charity and self-reflection remain central to the observance of Ramadan.