Muslim students observe holy month of Ramadan

For Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan, sunrise and sunset signify more than the passing of another day. Instead, most practicing Muslims spend the days of Ramadan fasting and abstaining from Earthly pleasures.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, extends through Jan. 30 this year. During the religion's holiest time, all Muslims capable of fasting are required to do so.

Exceptions are made for the sick, the elderly, people who are traveling, pregnant women, nursing mothers and women who are menstruating. Those who miss the fasting due to temporary reasons are required to make it up at another time.

Muslim Students' Association Social Chair Nauman Akhtar said Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslim students.

"It's the most important month we have," Akhtar said. "We use it to fill our spiritual vessels for the whole year."

Rackham student Rasha Stino said fasting applies on two levels.

"Fasting has two dimensions - the physical and the spiritual," Stino said. "Fasting serves to both cleanse the system and develop self-restraint."

Although the strict fasting may seem difficult for students with heavy courseloads to endure, Akhtar said Ramadan is good for concentration.

"Even though you have the most to do, it's the most efficient month for studies," said Akhtar, an LSA junior.

In addition to the fasting associated with the month, all Muslims are expected to give a certain amount of money, called zakat, to the poor before Ramadan's completion.

The end of Ramadan brings the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, or the festival of fast breaking.

"For Eid, we usually get together with family and offer prayers with everyone before going house to house to celebrate," Akhtar said. "It's really an amazing feeling."

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five basic tenets of Islam. The other tenets are belief in Allah and his prophet Mohammed, praying the five daily prayers, paying zakat to the poor and performing the Hajj, or pilgrimage, to the city of Mecca.

Despite its importance, not all Muslims participate in the fast due to the strains it places on their lives.

"It's kind of rough," said LSA senior Sue Beruti. "It's not that I'm not religious, I just don't fast."

University Housing has a continuing program that allows Muslim students to apply for rebates for the uneaten meals. In addition, the Muslim Community Association provides free dinner to Muslim students during the month.

The Muslim Community Association's Ann Arbor Mosque is located at 2301 Plymouth Road across from the Northwood Housing fire station.

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