DeKALB | Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims, began on the night of July 20.

According to a Muslim Academy article, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is considered a holy month for Muslims because the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. In the Quran, Muslims are prescribed to fast from dawn until sunset during this month.

“Ramadan is a cleaning agent for the body and the soul,” said Ashar Khan, junior psychology major. “It is a reality check to help us remember those who are less fortunate and do not even have clean water to drink daily.”

Besides food consumption, Muslims also refrain from drinking, sexual intercourse, lying, stealing and gossiping, according to a Muslim Matter article. Although lying, stealing and gossiping are disliked acts in Islam at all times, it is often easy to commit the acts, Khan said. Ramadan gives Muslims the opportunity to re-examine their everyday dealings and to better them.

“I think of Ramadan as a time where I can get rid of old bad habits and kick in good ones instead,” said Jenna Labadi , senior communicative disorders major.

After a long day of fasting, Muslims get together and break the fast at sunset. Some Muslims in DeKalb come together at the local Muslim Students Association . Here, different families bring meals to share with each other every night.

“Taking the first sip of water after 15 hours of fasting is an amazing feeling,” said Syed Warsi, the president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) at NIU. “It is really nice to share that moment with others who are experiencing the same thing.”

Once the month is over, Muslims will celebrate with a holiday called “Eid al-Fitr,” according to a Religion Facts article . This day spent with family and friends sharing elaborate meals, and a special prayer at a local mosque. This year, Eid al-Fitr will be either on August 17 or 18, depending on the lunar cycle. This holiday lasts a day and marks the end of Ramadan.

“Although I look forward to Eid, I really enjoy Ramadan as a time for reflection, reconnecting with friends and family and learning more about my religion,” Warsi said.

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