There is an old saying that in order to truly understand a person, one must walk a mile in that person’s shoes.

Followers of the Islamic religion recently took the adage to heart by fasting for a month in order to be more empathetic to the plight of the poor and needy.

Members of the Islamic Society of NIU (ISNIU) shared in this

religious tradition of one of the most pervasive religions in the world, with followers numbering near one billion.

The fast itself began on Feb. 23 and ended on March 23. Participants of this religious observance refrain from eating from sunrise to sunset, and thus are allowed to eat only in the evening. The day after the last day of fasting is reserved for prayer and for spending time with friends and family.

Followers also are asked not to drink alcohol, smoke or participate in sexual activity during the duration of the fast.

Farhat Khan, a member of ISNIU, said he felt that the fasting was a worthwhile experience.

“By not eating all day, I realized how difficult going without food may be for people who do not have access to food,” Khan said.

“But fasting was not as hard as one might think. My body adapted to the new eating pattern. Also, I knew that when the sun went down, I would be able to eat again. Yet there are people who go for days at a time without a decent meal. For them, the fast is indefinite,” he added.

Khan went on to explain how the fast has since affected his personal eating habits.

“A person learns to really appreciate food. Often at the dorms, people will throw away large amounts of food. For myself and many of my friends, we make a point of not wasting food. Essentially, we have learned to value what we have,” Khan said.

He also mentioned what plans the society has for helping Muslims caught in the strife in former Yugoslavia.

“We will be holding a drive to obtain signatures to lobby members of the United Nations. Specifically, we feel that the resolution boycotting the importation of arms into the warring republics is precluding the Muslims from being able to defend themselves,” Khan said.

Anyone interested in ISNIU and its activities is encouraged to call Khan at 753-4163.