Dartmouth's Muslim population just completed its third week of celebrating Ramadan, a month-long holiday period that encourages generosity and reflection.
The holiday bears special significance this year as the Muslim community extends prayers to over 40,000 victims of the Oct. 8 earthquake in Pakistan. Al-Nur organized a Fast-a-thon on Oct. 18 and 20 to raise money for the earthquake's victims.
Mariam Alvi '05 said helping those in need is particularly relevant to the spirit of the holiday.
"Ramadan is a very holy blessed month. It's a month of generosity, of being the best Muslim you can and being the best person to others," Alvi said.
Hiba Siddiqui '08 said she feels Ramadan brings Muslims together.
"I feel even more motivation to fast because it helps bind me to a certain group of people, to understand their plight, and it strengthens my faith in God," Siddiqui said. "It makes me want to be as devout a Muslim as I can be."
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from all food and drink between sunrise and sunset, breaking the fast at sundown with dates and water. One of the five pillars of Islam, fasting helps remind Muslims of the importance of their faith in their lives, Shamis Mohamud '08 said.
"Fasting helps me clear my mind and feel more spiritually alive," Mohamud said.
Islam preaches that the Koran's first verses were revealed by Allah during the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month according to the Muslim lunar calendar.
Most Muslims start fasting during Ramadan at the age of 12. Students agreed that while the beginning of the month is hardest, the body usually adjusts to not eating often within a few days.
"It really makes you feel liberated in a sense because you aren't as dependent on food as you thought and aren't a prisoner to your bodily needs," Siddiqui said. "I feel proud to be a part of this group of people who is able to exercise this level of self-control."
Mohamud said she will miss the spiritual power she gains from fasting.
"Now that it's nearly the end of Ramadan, I am sad to see it go because it is a powerful and important time for all Muslims," Mohamud said.
Although some choose to fast alone, Ramadan brings many worshippers together.
"We're fasting together, we break fast together in the prayer room, we pray together, eat together," Alvi said, adding that the Muslim population at Dartmouth grew this year as Muslim freshmen came to campus. "There's definitely a strong sense of community."
Muslims will mark the end of Ramadan Nov. 5 with Id al-Fitr, a celebration of feasting and gift-giving.
