Muslims found it easier to fast at NYU

For CAS Freshman Norain Siddiqui, observing Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer in the Islamic calendar, was a piece of cake.

"Here it's more fun to fast, and I'm a little more motivated to do it, because all of my friends are doing it," she said, noting that the fasts as a "reminder of how the rest of the world lives."

Siddiqui, one of hundreds of Muslim students, wrapped up his celebration of Ramadan on Sunday. The holiday, which began Oct. 15 and called for a daily fast between sunrise and sunset, provides a time to connect more deeply to Muslim faith.

Other students fasted for other reasons, including an appreciation for food and test of will.

"I feel it's a good way to teach self-discipline," Stern Freshman Umair Evans said. "Maybe if I can resist food and water for a few hours each day, I can resist other things that I find unnecessary, and lead a disciplined life."

GSP freshman Sabeen Amanat said that she observes Ramadan to help protect her Islamic identity, because "so many people think so many horrible things about Muslims, it's important to show them what we really are."

Observing, after all, is just a normal part of the year, Siddiqui said. Evans, however, said he doesn't think about trying to counter misconceptions about his religion. In fact, he and his Jewish and Catholic roommates, "make really inappropriate jokes about religion all the time," he said.

Fasting and observing the holiday at NYU hasn't been difficult.

"It makes life a lot easier, because you don't have to stop in the middle of the day to eat," Amanat said.

Though Siddiqui is used to fasting annually, it's more effortless on days when she has several classes.

Observant students begin their fast at 5 a.m. after a pre-dawn meal. The fast, extending through the day, can't be broken until sundown.

The only trouble is that the NYU meal plan allots no extended hours for the holiday, GSP freshman Aliza Naqzi said.

"My meal plans are going to waste," she said.

However, for hungry students, NYU's Islamic Center, located in the Thompson Center, dishes up a nightly meal for observers to break fast on.

"It's really nice to have an Islamic community here at NYU," said Naqzi, who attended the dinner every day and visited a mosque with fellow worshippers on important days of the month.

Ali Akhear, a first-year graduate student and a member of the Islamic Center's e-board, said that NYU has provided well for Muslims on campus.

"In general, the students really like the food," he said.

Students observed the holiday in different ways and to varying degrees, but even those who didn't take advantage of the Islamic Center said that they appreciate a tight-knit group of Muslims on campus.

Celebrating with fellow Muslims has made it easier to adjust to life at NYU, Siddiqui said.
"It's really reassuring to that I have a piece of home here at school," she said.