The Muslim Student Union’s annual awareness Fast-a-thon will be tomorrow, Nov. 4, from 6:09 a.m. to 6:05 p.m. MSU is holding a fast-breaking dinner for participants, starting at 5:30 p.m. Through the effort, club members hope to raise awareness for Muslims in impoverished nations.
“The Fast-a-thon is the Muslim Student Union’s main event each year,” junior Rasheeq Nizam said. “We invite non-Muslims to fast, so they can experience what a lot of Muslims do during Ramadan and also how difficult it is for people in poor countries that don’t have food.”
Ramadan — based on the lunar calendar — ended Aug. 31 this year, but MSU decided to hold the event later in the school year to better advertise for it. The Fast-a-thon date, though, does coincide with another fasting period, a time of pilgrimage called hajj.
MSU members have been advertising using posters and Facebook and by word of mouth. The fast-breaking feast has become the selling point.
“People are invited to come if they fasted,” Nizam said, “and to enjoy the multi-cultural food, like hummus and bread and baklava.”
By Nomin-Erdene Jagdagdorj