In today’s time, one can argue that fear, caution and suspicion govern the relationships between individuals and strangers. Unfortunately, few people are willing to take the risk of building bridges to unite unique groups of people. Perhaps one of the most misunderstood social groups in America are the Muslims, the followers of the peaceful religion of Islam. Education is the best means of overcoming ignorance and stereotypes, and it is with this intent in mind that I attempt to provide a brief overview of this special month for Muslims called Ramadan.

Starting from Oct. 27 and continuing through Nov. 24, Muslims across the Northeastern campus, across America and across the world are observing the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan by abstaining from food and drink during the daylight hours, engaging themselves in spiritual self-reflection and taking part in acts of charity for the poor and the needy.

Over 1.2 billion people in the world are Muslims, making the religion of Islam the faith with the second largest following in the world. Islam is also the fastest growing religion in the world. There are over 7 million Muslims in the United States, 400 of them are part of the Northeastern campus community.

To Muslims, the month of Ramadan is a sacred month, in which the Qur’an, the holy scripture of the Muslims and the culmination of the Testaments, was revealed. Muslims also believe that the Bible of the Christians and the Torah of the Jews in their original forms were also revealed by God in previous eras during this month.

Ramadan is a month of self-reflection, patience and fasting. In the Qur’an, there is a decree from God:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may [learn] self-restraint.” (Qur’an 2:183 meaning translated from Arabic).

The Muslim who is physically able to fast abstains from food, drink and sexual intercourse during the daytime for the entire month. Muslims also try to pass by the day in a humble demeanor, refraining from arguments or behaviors that may offend others.

Perhaps the most anticipated event during the day for a Muslim during Ramadan is Iftar, the breaking of the fast at sundown. On campus, the Islamic Society of Northeastern University gathers together for Iftar and provides milk, water and date fruits. After the sunset prayer, Muslims participate in a humble feast that allows them to meet new friends and faces.

To end the night, Muslims perform Taraweeh prayers, or night prayers, in which they listen to a part of the recital of the Holy Qur’an. The Qur’an is divided into 114 chapters, which Muslims try to finish reciting by the end of the lunar month.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are especially important to Muslims. According to the Qur’an there is a night in the last 10 days that is better than 1,000 months. That night, called Laylat ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is when the Qur’an was revealed. During the final 10 days, Muslims who are able spend the nights and the early part of the mornings in prayer, reciting the entire Qur’an again in a prayer called Qiyam. After prayers are finished the Muslims join together and participate in a pre-dawn meal called Sahoor.

For myself and for the Muslim community at large, Ramadan is a time for families, friends and neighbors to seriously contemplate the many blessings that have been bestowed upon our lives and to strive to become better human beings. In this respect, I believe that the Muslim shares the same aspirations as any other individual who is grateful to be alive. I hope this letter is a starting point for people to reach out to the Muslims and an inspiration for Muslims to continue dialogues with their local community.

On campus, the Islamic Society of Northeastern University (ISNU) holds Iftar and Taraweeh prayers every weekday during Ramadan. The ISNU invites all students, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to join the on campus Muslim community during the sunset dinners. Iftar is held Monday through Friday between 5 and 6 p.m. in 403 Ell Hall and Taraweeh prayers are held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Sacred Space located on the second floor of Ell.

— Husayn El Sharif is a freshman architecture major.