Dates are an excellent, nutrient-dense food for breaking your fast because their natural sugars provide instant energy while their moderate-to-low glycemic index, high fiber, and high potassium content which help stabilize blood glucose and prevent sharp spikes.

Studies show they can actually help reduce fasting plasma glucose and total cholesterol, making them safe for diabetics in moderation.

I was fortunate to have grown up going to the mosque frequently for Taraweeh. Each year, there's something new to take from the experience.

This year, I've felt much gratitude for the communal spirit of carrying out the movements of prayer together. Every individual is having their own conversation with God or reflecting personally on the recitation. Doing so all together has been particularly awe-inspiring to me.

As an out of state student, I was scared to imagine Ramadan on my own: waking up early to eat in silence and breaking my fast at a dining hall with food that I didn't recognize.

Thankfully, the Muslim Coalition student org on campus is able to sustain dinners for students every day during Ramadan to break their fast together. It emulates the same feelings of unity and community that I grew up with.

(It's also be nice to see a UMSI collab with the Muslim Coalition next Ramadan!)