Muslims around campus will begin eating \fast"" food today, with the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Forbidden to eat between sunrise and sunset, it serves as an exercise in self-discipline and a reminder that others are less fortunate.
""It's sort of a reminder-a wake-up call-to remember those who don't have as much food as you do and go hungry around the world,"" said Suri Kempe, diversity education coordinator for UW-Madison.
According to David Morgan, chair of the UW-Madison Middle East Studies department, Ramadan forms one of the five pillars of Islam, concepts fundamental to Muslim faith. For example, Morgan recalled an Arab student who took part in Ramadan despite his atheism.
""It's deeply imbedded in their culture,"" Morgan said.
Since it relies on the lunar Islamic calendar, which is shorter than 365 days, the exact dates and seasons of Ramadan vary, which Morgan said makes a difference when it comes to observing the holiday.
""If you're in Iraq in the height of summer-when Ramadan comes-it's really no joke,"" Morgan said. ""But if you're in Madison in the middle of winter it might not be so difficult.""
Muslims around campus will observe the fast over the period of Ramadan, but also focus on matters of faith. Kempe said throughout the month she will follow Muslim practices closer than usual, observing prayer five times a day and closely reading the Quran as a supplement to fasting.
""It's not forced or required, but it's encouraged."" Kempe said.
To accompany the fast, the Muslim Student Association will be sponsoring several events throughout the month. Istar-the nightly breaking of the fast-will be held at Chadbourne Residential College Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a banquet open to all students.
The ""Fast-a-thon"" will be repeated from last year, where non-Muslims join the fast and receive donations for doing so, with profits to benefit hunger problems in Dane County.
""It had a good turnout last year, so that's going to be our big event,"" said Nabeela Baig, a UW-Madison junior and vice president of the MSA.
Baig said Ramadan is a time to concentrate on spirituality through focus on prayer and the Quran.
""I'm just trying harder than I would for the rest of the year,"" Baig said. ""That's what Ramadan is supposed to be about-renewing your faith.""
