Sunday’s new moon marked the beginning of Ramadan and a month-long fast for all Muslims.

Ramadan is a Muslim religious observance during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Ramadan allows for the fast to be broken after sunset, but fasting can prove challenging for Muslim students.

“You are kind of lacking in energy because of the lack of food and water. You try to do everything at night,” said Haitham Alsahfy, geophysics senior and Arab Student Association president.

While some said it is difficult to muster the energy for a long school day during Ramadan, most view fasting as beneficial.

“It gives you more spiritual support. It boosts your confidence because you know you’re doing a good thing,” said Belal Alzoubi, industrial engineering graduate student.

The fast takes place during a warm time of year posing another challenge for fasting students.

“I see people walking from class drinking water or smoothies. Sometimes I just want to grab their smoothie and take a drink,” said Alzoubi. “It’s really difficult especially because it’s so hot.”

Though most people would cringe at the thought of fasting for a month, Alsahfy said it’s not a big deal.

“After the first week you get pretty used to it,” Alsahfy said.

But Ramadan isn’t just about fasting. It is a complete alteration of daily life, said Azhar Malik, biochemistry senior.

Fasting means not only abstinence from food but drink, immoral practices and sexual activity.

Ramadan is viewed as a time to learn about humility and patience. It is not seen as a hardship.

“We’re trying to feel like the poor people and needy people. We try to feel the suffering they go through.” Alsahfy said.