Ramadan, which ended this year on May 12, is perhaps the most important month of the year for Muslims.
For those unfamiliar with the observance, it is the holy month of worship, self-restrain and purification. Its holiness comes from the fact that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohamed peace be upon him (PBUH) during Ramadan.
Survey of student organizations
Student organizations are a vital element of our institution. Often, they are the first point of contact in the relationship between our institution and members of our communities, especially those groups who serve historically marginalized populations.
We recognize that each student organization has its own identity, and each one has its own needs. This month, the College of Medicine DEI Office is launching a questionnaire to the leaders of student organizations from our college committed to diversity, equity and inclusion to learn about each group’s history, structure and needs. This instrument will also provide feedback to our office on how to best assist our student community based on their missions, goals, or objectives within our institution and beyond.
If you are a leader of a student organization from the College of Medicine who is working with your group on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and you haven’t received the questionnaire from our office, please click on this link to connect with us and let us learn about your organization. We want to hear and learn from you
Fasting (Sawm) during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars upon which Islam is built. The other four pillars are:
- Profession of faith (Shahadah);
- Prayer (Salat);
- Taxes (Zakat); and
- Pilgrimage to Mekka (Hajj).
The key unifying factor about Ramadan is that Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset. However, there are many other aspects of Ramadan that Muslims practice including:
- Community prayers at the mosque;
- Reading the Quran;
- Night prayer during the last 10 days, in observance of the night of power (laylat-ul-gadr); and
- Abstaining from bad deeds, bad words, anger and gossip.
There are certain groups who are excused from fasting, including those who are sick (or have a medical reason such as pregnancy or lactation) and those who are travelling. However, they are expected to either make up the days they did not fast another time during the year or make a donation to feed 10 hungry people for each day they did not fast.
Another major aspect of Ramadan is that it is the month of compassion and generosity. The experience of hunger not only purifies the soul, but it also generates empathy for those who are in need. Therefore, Muslims generally are not offended when others eat in front of them — instead, they rejoice in the fact that they can show endurance in the face of temptation. During Ramadan, people share food with each other and look for those who are in need of help. At the end of the month, Muslims are obligated to make a donation to help the poor and needy in the community.
In addition to these common practices, each cultural group celebrates the month in their own way. For example, in some countries, community Iftar (breaking the fast meal) is a common way of displaying generosity. The Iftars usually are held in large, open spaces to encourage passersby, homeless and poor people freely to drop in and eat, while sparing them the indignity of asking for food.
In many cultures, it is common to have special decorations such as lanterns (fawanees) and colorful table cloths and floor mats during the month. There are also special meals, which are made only during the month of Ramadan in many Muslim cultures.
The month culminates in a huge celebration, Eid-ul-Fitr, during which Muslims connect with each other and enjoy large feasts with family and friends.
Ramadan has a special place in the hearts of Muslims, and we are always grateful for the support that we get from our coworkers and friends. “Getting to know your neighbor” is one of the most effective ways to eliminate racism and Islamophobia, so reach out to a Muslim colleague and ask questions about the practice of fasting and Islam in general. You may be surprised to learn about the many similarities with other religions.