Muslim students celebrate end of fasting for Ramadan – MSU State News
Kinesiology senior Faraz Anjum had fasted for Ramadan before, but this year was different.
While Muslims often observe fasting during Ramadan, it’s rare for the holy days to take place during the summer when days are longer and temperatures are higher, he said.
Waiting longer for sundown to break the fast was difficult at first, but after a few days, Anjum said his body adjusted.
“The beginning of Ramadan, it hits you hard,” he said. “It’s really hot. You’re doing what you’re normally doing and you can’t get water, so you have to pace yourself.”
Members of the Muslim Students Association, or MSA, came together Thursday to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Students chatted and had a meal to celebrate the end of fasting on the Owen Graduate Hall patio and held their first MSA meeting of the year.
When he fasted for Ramadan in the past, Omar Soubani, a history, philosophy and sociology of science junior, said being in school often took his mind off his hunger.
With a lot of free time on his hands, Soubani adjusted his routine to honor the fast.
“When you’re in school, you’re focusing on schoolwork and time flies, but this year – since there was no school – I would sleep during the day,” he said.
“From day-to-day it was tough … but week-to-week it was a lot easier.”
The break from school was a nice reprieve for human biology junior Sara Mousa, who said Ramadan occurring in the summer allowed her to devote herself to prayer without any distractions.
After coming to events on and off for the past two years, Mousa decided to join the executive board and become a full-fledged member of the MSA this fall.
It was the sense of community within the group, Mousa said she found most appealing.
“We’re putting Muslim students in touch with each other, kind of like a home away from home,” she said. “(Many) students would otherwise be in dorms, which isn’t always an Islamic environment.”
One of the goals of Ramadan is deeper spiritual reflection and rejuvenation through prayer, Mousa said.
As he takes over as the new MSA president, Anjum said the past month helped him understand how religion and school can coexist.
“I learned there is a way to get a balance,” he said. “It (can) seem kind of difficult, but it is possible.”
The biggest goal Anjum has for the MSA is to be a resource for Muslim culture to all students, regardless of their religion.
With many students misinformed about the Muslim community, Anjum hopes the MSA can help erase some of the stereotypes.
“I want to make the MSA more of a resource for Muslims and non-Muslims,” he said.
“We do support Islam, but we want people to not be afraid of approaching us and coming to our events and meeting our people.”
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