Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Derek Sijder Students and participants from the Fast-a-Thon bend over to pray before having their meals, after breaking their fast for Ramadan.

SJSU Muslim and non-Muslim students gathered in the University Room in the Student Union Wednesday night and broke their fast for a Ramadan charity event, "Fast-A-Thon," held by the SJSU Muslim Students Association.

"The event was actually to raise awareness about the month of Ramadan and fasting, and also to raise money for Islamic Relief and donate that to orphans," said Omar Mutwakil, the president of the association.

The event encouraged participants in advance to fast from 5 a.m. to sunset for one day, whether they were Muslim or non-Muslim.

"I just wanted to see, even though it's just a one-day experience for me, what's behind fasting," said Latu Tapaatoutai, a senior history major and a non-Muslim student.

She said that on Wednesday morning, she woke up before 5 a.m., drank a lot of water and ate a bowl of cereal to prepare for her one-day fasting experience.

"With the overall fasting, I sure learned about not just the Muslim culture but what it's like to not have that security of a meal everyday, or even water. I think a lot of students should get more engaged," Tapaatoutai said.

Around 7 p.m. when the sun went down, students broke their fast by eating dates, a sweet, dried fruit.

"It's wonderful," said Maljan Sazei, a senior chemical engineering major and a Muslim student from Germany, of breaking his fast with his friends and many others. "It's like dinner with family."

For the event, the Muslim Students Association invited a special guest speaker, Munir Iqtish, a development coordinator for the northwest region of Islamic Relief.

"I know that we enjoyed the meal we ate, but I want to share with you that there are … people in Africa (who) don't have money to eat," Iqtish said.

Islamic Relief is an international charity organization dedicated to support and help those who are suffering, hungry, poor, illiterate and sick, regardless of their skin color, religion or race. And it is cooperating with Muslim student organizations throughout the nation to raise funds for those in need.

"For us as Muslims, we believe as a part of our faith to give those who are less fortunate," Iqtish said. "We fast, we find it difficult. Every day is the same to them."

At the end of his speech, Iqtish encouraged people to donate to Islamic Relief. Through donations from students, the event raised about $570, Mutwakil said, which will be donated to orphans around the world.

"It was emotional," Mutwakil said of the speech. "People were touched by it and (it) made people see what's happening in other parts of the world."

Tapaatoutai said that after experiencing fasting, she realized that there are strong connections between fasting in Ramadan and mercy and blessing toward people who are suffering. "What we need to do as people is to help those who are in need and those who are oppressed," she said. "I do have great appreciation for those who fast."

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