Celebration marks last day of Muslim holiday

This weekend marked the last days in the Islamic month of Ramadan, one of the holiest times for Muslims.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset. This is one of the five pillars of Islam declared by the prophet Mohammad. Sawm, or the fasting, means that every healthy person must fast. Every day of fasting missed must be made up later.

This practice is considered self-purifying and healthy because it gives the stomach a rest. Sawm is also supposed to teach love for God, patience, unselfishness, moderation, willpower, disciplines, unity and brotherhood.

"It's a good experience," said Abdul Zineddin (senior-civil engineering). "I do it because I have to, because that's what God wants me to do."

It was a difficult task, Zineddin said, because he lives on campus and the dining commons are open mostly during the day.

"But I survived," Zinneddin said.

At the end of the month, Muslims pray together in a special collective prayer. This event is the start of Eid.

The four days following the end of Ramadan are called eid al-fitr, the feast of the Breaking of the Fast. Eid is a time when families and friends reunite and children receive presents.

Muslim students prayed together yesterday morning in Eisenhower Chapel and then had brunch in celebration of Eid, said Sajeda Bhallo, president of the Muslim Student Association. Members of the association were also planning to go to the local mosque, the Islamic Center of Central Pennsylvania, 709 Ridge Ave., tomorrow evening for dinner together.

Because of the intimacy of this holiday, Bhallo said, many students she knew were returning home this weekend.