Muslim Student Association (MSA) members at UVI’s St. Croix campus waited patiently all day Thursday to break the fast with non-Muslims who were challenged to abstain from eating and drinking from noon until sunset.
The fasting challenge, dubbed “Fast-a-thon” by members of the association, was held at UVI’s Great Hall, where approximately 50 students and teachers gathered for the Iftar: a ceremonial breaking of the fast with food and drink. The menu included traditional Middle Eastern food, and was served with juices and water.
According to MSA member Heba Abdallah, the purpose of the Fast-a-thon, was to educate non-Muslims about Islam and fasting; but more specifically, the event was held to dispel some common misconceptions people might have about Islam.
When asked why the MSA wanted to hold the fasting challenge this time of year, she replied, “We originally wanted to conduct this event during the Holy Month of Ramadan, but didn’t have time. Instead we decided to do this in recognition of the Hajj.” (Note: Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is expected to begin Nov. 14).
Mary Jane Provost, assistant Professor of Mathematics at UVI, participated in the fast to support the MSA.
“The MSA is an extremely active organization for women students, and they really do a lot of educational events,” she said.
The ceremony began with a short introduction by MSA President Eman Abdelghani and was followed by a traditional call to prayer – or Athan –by Adam Jamal, the instructor of Islamic Studies at the IQRA (International Quran Recital Association) Academy.
After the prayer, participants were asked to join MSA members for the breaking of fast, where students and instructors lined up hurriedly to be served. A question-and-answer session followed the meal with instructors of the IQRA Academy providing insight into the spiritual and physical benefits of fasting.
During the month of Ramadan, fasting is one of the five Pillars of Islam, and is required of all Muslims who are able. During Ramadan, fasting begins before dawn and ends after evening prayers, held at sunset.
