Students Fast-a-Thon for Ramadan

More than 250 students broke fast together at the Kimmel Center Thursday in NYU's second-annual Fast-A-Thon, which was held to coincide with the Muslim holiday Ramadan.

The charity event, sponsored by the Islamic Center of NYU, raised more than $3,000 for the Children's Aid Society. For every non-Muslim who fasted, the organizers donated $1.

Organizers asked all participants, Muslim and non-Muslim, to follow the religion's custom during the holy month of Ramadan and not eat during the day. The group broke the fast by eating a simple meal, or "iftas," consisting of rice, lentils and dried figs, served at the close of the event.

At just after 6 p.m., a call to prayer, the "Maghrib Salat," was issued, and the Muslims gathered to observe the rite, while non-Muslims respectfully looked on.

Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, lasts from Oct. 15 to Nov. 14 and is the holiest period of the year for Muslims. During the month, observers fast from sunrise to sunset every day.

CAS senior Faraaz Shah, who helped organize the first Fast-A-Thon last year, said the event seeks to improve the relationship between the Muslim population at NYU and the rest of the university community.

"We thought, 'Why don't we invite people to fast with us?'" he said. "We want to invite people from all different backgrounds."

Another organizer said the event offers non-Muslims a chance to fast, which is not as common a practice in Western culture.

"This is a great idea, and a way for non-Muslims to learn about our fasting," Stern junior Farah Sheriff said. "It's a chance to let non-Muslims get involved."

Participants said the event helps to provide a more accurate and positive image of Muslim culture for NYU students.

"With the media, there's a lot of ignorance about Islam," CAS senior Fathia Toray said. "An event like this can break down stereotypes and work to create community." €¢