Muslims across the world and Lewis University campuses are fasting in observance of Ramadan. The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan, is a time of sacrifice.
Since Ramadan happens at a different time and place each year, depending on the lunar calendar, one must check the U.S. Naval Observatory. This year, in North and South America, Ramadan will last from the sunset of Aug. 20 to Sept. 18.
Ramadan is the observance of when the Quran came down to the Prophet Muhammad in the Islamic tradition.
Central to this holiday is the daily fasting of food and water from sunrise to sunset. Muslims traditionally break their fast with dates and water. If one is sick, pregnant, too old or such, fasting can be done at another time during the year. Usually, there is a meal eaten before dawn called Suhoor and one after sunset called Iftar. The concept of fasting is incorporated in all Abrahamic religions; Christians in Lent and Jews in Yom Kippur. In fact, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad all fasted. Fasting is done by giving gratitude for providing the people the Quran.
“It’s not just about the fasting, it’s about what’s behind the fasting,” President of Lewis’ Muslim Student Association, Alaa El-barqa said.
The fast is said to make one thankful for the little things in life. When one is thirsty or hungry, all one wants is something small, like a glass of water, which usually is taken for granted. Ramadan is also a time to abstain from bad habits and help Muslims become closer to God. Smoking and sex are to be omitted during this month as well. “Stick to your belief. Stick to the improvement you want to do,” instructed El-barqa.
Self-control and devotion to God are to be heightened during Ramadan. This is done through intensive worship, study of the Quran and helping others. “I think it’s very important that we use Ramadan as a time for self development,” said MSA member, Bilal Mahmood.
“I think everyone can benefit from a period of self-reflection,” said MSA member, Rik Leja.
Lewis’ Muslim Student Association is sponsoring a Fast-A-Thon with the International Student Association and the South Asian Student Association on Sept. 18. These organizations invite everyone on campus to fast during that day. At 6:30 p.m. there will be an Iftar dinner, along with 7:05 p.m. prayer and Ramadan video in the Student Union, to feed those that fasted that day. Those that did not fast are also welcome to come and observe. Money made from this event will go to charity.
Natalie Schutz
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