During the month of Ramadan, more than 1 billion Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink, sex and negative thoughts. From dawn until dusk, the lunchtime sandwich, bottle of water and afternoon snack are pushed into the backs of minds, making room for pure thoughts and actions. Recently, the University of Washington Muslim Student Association (MSA) challenged non-Muslim students on campus to fast for one day as a part of the MSA's annual Fast-A-Thon.
While many students would normally be deterred by the proposition of walking through the HUB or up The Ave without stopping for a bite to eat, more than 300 students were present in the HUB East Ballroom to break their fast when the sun set.
FALSE DIFFERENCES
The Muslim Student Association in conjunction with Northwest Harvest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger in Washington state, accepted donations from local businesses for every person who pledged to fast for the day.
As Muslims and non-Muslims breathed a sigh of relief when the first food and water of the day could be consumed, UW sophomore and event co-host Selma Dillsi gave everyone in the room a gentle nudge.
"We have to remind ourselves that fasting is about so much more than not eating," she said.
With an open mic on hand, people from all religious backgrounds were encouraged to approach the stage and share their experiences. Messages of tolerance and solidarity pervaded the night.
"Many of our perceived differences are a fallacy," said Ken Stewart, a civil-affairs officer with the MSA and devout Muslim since 1993, adding that "our common denominators are far more than what separates us."
This sentiment was echoed by UW alumni and social activist Hala Dillsi, who, in a tearful speech, said, "We have a common enemy, which is oppression, and we can beat that every day by merely flashing a smile and standing up against injustice."
MESSAGE NOT LOST
The testimony from non-Muslims about their fasting experience was often comical, as they recalled spitting out food and/or water after being reminded by a friend that they were supposed to be fasting.
Still, it was evident that the message behind the fast was not lost.
Although the month of Ramadan officially ended Oct. 12, the hope is that its messages of self-restraint, self-discipline, tolerance and generosity will continue to resonate throughout the year.
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