At iftaar, the nightly breaking of the fast during Ramadan, Muslims enjoy food and companionship in Kay Spiritual Life Center, hosted by the Muslim Student Association.
Ramadan, the second of the five pillars of Islam, is a month-long celebration of the revelation of the Quran about 1425 years ago, Muslim Imam Tarek Abou-Ghazala explained.
"Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food, drinks and sex for a month. It is a month of self-discipline, when everyone becomes more self-conscious about their behavior and attitudes towards others," he said.
Ramadan is a uniting experience, he said.
"...[A]ll Muslims start fasting together throughout the world. Muslims who live in the same city break their fast every evening together at the same time, which develops a sense of national unity," Abou-Ghazala said.
Abou-Ghazala said that he hopes that non-Muslims take the opportunity to learn about Islam during the holy month, from Oct. 15 to Nov. 14, by attending iftaar. The dinner, held at sunset Monday through Thursday nights, draws a crowd of Muslims and non-Muslims, including students and faculty, as well as visitors who are not associated with AU.
"It's representative of the Muslim community worldwide. [People from] so many different backgrounds participate," said Sarah Ahmed, president of the MSA.
Ramadan will be unique this year because it falls during a presidential election, according to Abou-Ghazala.
"One thing that will distinguish Ramadan this year is that Muslims will vote on November 2nd while fasting. A big turn out is expected because Muslims feel a sense of national duty to vote, especially while fasting," he said.
During the month Muslims must fast during the day, devote extra time to prayer and abstain from worldly desires, explained Abou-Ghazala.
Each night after the sun sets, Muslims break the fast with water and dates, followed by maghrib, the fourth of five prayers that Muslims make each day. Then they enjoy a full meal of foods deemed halal, which means that they are prepared according to Islamic custom. At the end of the month, Ramadan culminates with Eid Fitr, a full day of prayer with friends and family.
Idris Idris, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, appreciates the opportunity to connect with his spirituality.
"It's a period where God is more merciful, more gracious, more beneficent," he said.
Others were also happy about the celebration.
"It's the most glorious time of the year," said Abdul Karim Bangura, a professor in the School of International Service. "It is the month of all that is wonderful about the human spirit: the discipline, the love, the cleansing of the spirit, the soul and the mind"
