This is the third in a three-part series examining religion’s role in student life.

After fasting for a month during Ramadan, people of Muslim faith will celebrate the end of the month with Eid-ul-Fitr, or “feast of fast-breaking.”

Ramadan required its followers to fast for the whole month by not eating, drinking or having marital relations from dawn until sunset. Eid is meant to strengthen bonds of brotherhood.

“By obtaining, the devil is taken away from your life and you should strengthen your soul,” said Saad Quadri, a sophomore English major and president of the Muslim Student Association. “You shouldn’t use your tongue or your body in an improper way.”

Eid depends on the lunar calendar and ends when the moon is sighted. If the moon was not sighted last night, Eid would fall on Friday.

A central moonsighting committee in California determines if the moon is sighted.

Phone calls are then made and the news is passed by word of mouth.

“To a lot of people, religion is a once-a-week ritual, but to me, as a Muslim, I try to do everything Islamically,” said Maie Seif, a sophomore business major.

During Ramadan, it was obligatory for followers to fast, but during Eid it’s prohibited to fast. A prayer and sermon will be given to an expected 100 students and community members. A scholar is set to deliver the sermon.

“You should actually eat and drink well and enjoy yourself on this day,” Quadri said.

Although Eid is a holiday, it’s also seen as the end of an important month. Quadri once heard a scholar say he wasn’t sure if he should congratulate for Eid or give condolences for the end of Ramadan. However, many feel accomplished when Ramadan ends.

“It’s congratulating after completing an important month,” freshman biology major Owais Malick said.

For the past 10 days, several students, including Quadri and Malick, have chosen to be isolated in the mosque during Itikaf. Followers aren’t allowed to attend classes or work. The time is spent doing extra forms of worship.

“It’s not as bad as it seems,” said Ahmed Haseeb, a freshman electrical engineering major. “You feel good about yourself after doing it.”

Quadri, Malick and Haseeb also had to complete homework for their classes and study for finals during isolation.

A special dinner will be served on Sunday to celebrate the holiday.