SMKN 6 Padang’s Ramadan observance has been in full swing this month, with iftars, prayers, and pesantren, or an Islamic boarding school program. During pesantren, SMKN 6 Padang cancels all classes and holds Islamic study from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day.

ETA Navara Syed has been observing these classes and adapting her co-teaching skills to assist with religious courses. She has accomplished this by listening to students’ recitation and memorization of the Qur’an, while also sharing information about how Ramadan is celebrated in the United States.

Not only has this experience been religiously enriching, but it has also provided many opportunities for Navara to connect with her students one-on-one. Additionally, by having iftar with her students on multiple occasions, along with the Ramadan Bliss iftar held at SMKN 6 Padang, students were able to deepen their understanding of what Ramadan in America looks like.

During pesantren and iftars, Navara and her students discussed what a typical day looks like for Muslim Americans during Ramadan, how masjids celebrate, and the traditions leading up to Eid prayer, among other related topics. By sharing these perspectives and traditions, students were able to better understand the variation in how Islam is practiced around the world.

Navara Syed is currently teaching at SMKN 6 Padang, Sumatera Barat.