TN high school: During Ramadan, Muslim Students Find Peace, Discipline and Community

[mountaineer]

During Ramadan, Muslim Students Find Peace, Discipline and Community
 At John Overton High School, students have taken the lead and found support from a diverse staff
by Lillian Avedian
April 7, 2026   

It was a Wednesday morning partway through the month of Ramadan, and many of John Overton High School’s Muslim students had been awake since 4:30 a.m.

These students had been fasting every day for more than a week and woke up in time for suhoor, the last chance to eat and drink before the sun rises. Some chose foods that are hydrating, like watermelon or cucumber, so they could withstand not drinking any water again until the sun sets. Others just ate a couple of dates.

After breakfast, it was time for the first of five prayers of the day. Many students prayed together with their families, a chance to be together and share a spiritual connection before parting ways for school or work.  ...

It’s one of several accommodations arranged by the administration for Muslim students. The school has also reserved space on campus where students can pray in the afternoon, since one of the five daily prayers falls during the school day. Hagengruber created a sign up sheet for students to receive electronic hall passes granting them permission to leave class for 15 minutes to pray. More than 80 students signed up.  ...

Nashville Banner

[mountaineer]

Where are the “church and state” separationists, Anthony Bradley asks.

https://twitter.com/drantbradley/status/2041857856828236108

[mountaineer]

Erick Erickson
@EWErickson
You will not be surprised to learn that in the Nashville school system, Christmas break is "winter break" and Good Friday is "Spring break" but Ramadan is Ramadan.
11:02 AM · Apr 9, 2026

https://twitter.com/cabot_phillips/status/2042251443076272530

[rustynail]

They going to bring in a Umm Atiyyah for female authenticity?

[andy58-in-nh]

Here's a couple of headlines you won't be seeing anytime soon:

"During Purim, Jewish Students Find Peace, Commitment and Community".

"During Easter, Christian Students Find Peace, Hope and Community". 

[Smokin Joe]

Well, so much for the gold buckle of the Bible Baptist Belt.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Unfortunately, Ramadan caught we twice during business trips to Oman.

Now Oman is a place I enjoyed as it is a 'friendly' Muslim country which does not overly dictate to non-Muslims such as in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Qatar. other ME places I have visited.

Nevertheless, I did not find the Ramadan time as 'Peace, Discipline and Community'.  One might say 'Scramble for food or starve'.

I was not permitted to eat anything in front of a Muslim during the day, nor drink even water.

One had to hide in one's office just to eat lunch.  And you better be prepared beforehand to bring your lunch with you, as nothing was open during the day to get something to eat and you will grow hungry.

After dark, it is a whole other matter.  Bars, cafes, grocery stores and street vendors were busy selling food and drink to the populace who starved themselves during the day.  And these places stayed open most of the night so the nighttime debauchery continued until the break of day.

No, I was not much a part of that all-night routine, for those who might be thinking that.