Ramadan 2010 information (click here)

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is the Muslim holy month of fasting, described in the Qur'an as follows:

The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was revealed, as guidance for humanity, and as demonstrations in the way of guidance and discrimination. So whoever among you is present that month should fast. If anyone is ill or on a journey, then the prescribed term is to be from other days. God wishes ease for you, not hardship; and that you fulfill the prescribed terms, and that you celebrate God for guiding you; and that you may be grateful. When My servants ask you about Me, I am close indeed-- I hearken to the prayer of the supplicant when one calls on Me; so let them hearken to Me, and let them believe in Me, that they may go the right way. (Qur'an 2:185-186)

During Ramadan, mature and able Muslims fast from the time of dawn prayer (Fajr) to sunset prayer (Maghrib) each day. At its most basic level, the fast includes abstinence from food, drink (this means no water!), and sex. However, fasting also includes refraining from other activities, such as cursing or idle talk, in favor of a higher awareness of self and of the Divine. Often, Muslims take this time to purify themselves by practicing self-control and moderation or to get rid of bad habits.

Although fasting and the spiritual quest of Ramadan are very personal endeavors, Muslims usually love to take part in worship and food together whenever they can. The MSA provides Muslim students with several resources during Ramadan:

Suhoor (early morning breakfast) on East Campus

During Ramadan, the Marketplace on East Campus arranges for a chef to prepare food for Muslim freshmen for Suhoor before sunrise. If demand is low, then special breakfast bags are prepared for freshmen to pick up after dinner. Students find Suhoor on East a fantastic way to begin the day right in a healthy way and strengthen bonds of friendship. After Suhoor, students pray together, either in their rooms or on other locations.

Iftar (breaking of the fast)

Iftars are scheduled by Muslim Life at Duke for every day of Ramadan, on and off campus. This ensures that no one who wishes to have iftar with the community is prevented to do so. Taraweeh (late-night) prayers are also scheduled afterwards, for those who are interested. Iftars on campus are sponsored by the University’s Dining Services and consists of a variety of meals catered from local restaurants. Iftars off campus are organized by generous members of the Triangle Muslim community. All Duke students, regardless of faith tradition, are welcome to join their Muslim brethren in these joyous after-fast dinners. For the exact timing and venue of each Iftar, please consult the Ramadan Calendar on the MSA website for up-to-date information. Each year MSA hosts two very special iftars: the Triangle Iftar, a joint event with the MSAs of NC State and UNC, and Campus Wide Fast, one of our most exciting events of the entire year.

Campus Wide Fast

Campus Wide Fast (also known as fast-a-thon) is Duke MSA's largest event. The basis of Campus Wide Fast is to have one day of the month of Ramadan where members of the entire Duke community are invited to participate, as much as they are comfortable, in the fast along with their fellow Muslims. Participants are then invited to a free dinner and program at sunset. The program features various talks from guest speakers, MSA members, Duke faculty, and members from the Triangle community. Every year a specific charity or cause is chosen and participants are encouraged to donate, at the very least the amount they would've spent on food that day. Cash, FLEX, food points, and smiles are all acceptable donations :) The night is not only educational or charitable in nature; it is also an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to break bread together and relate to one another amidst the filling up of empty stomachs. It is definitely an event to experience and share.

Check out DukeNews's clip on Campus Wide Fast 2008, where world renowned qari (Qur'an recitor) Muhammad Jebril was our honored guest.