Hilltopics
Ramadan: A Pillar of Faith
by Susanna Lööf
Source: The Encyclopedia Americana. 1994
his weekend, a special month will begin for many KU students. It will be a month when they can't eat, drink or have sex during the daytime. It will be a month of prayer and worship. It will be the month of
Ramadan, the holiest month of the year for Muslims.
"You're basically taking a break from your daily life routines, trying to bring more religious aspects into your life," said Hadi Alhassani, Najran, Yemen, graduate student and president of the Muslim Student Association.
For the next month, Alhassani will go to class, do his homework, take all his exams and do everything as normal, but he won't eat or drink during the day. And he will pray and recite the Koran, the Muslim holy book, more than usual.
Ramanad has been observed by Muslims since 622 A.D., when Muhammed, the first Muslim prophet, migrated from Mecca to Medina. Muslims believe that Muhammad received his first message from God at Medina. This message became the first Suur, or chapter, of the Koran, and Ramadan became the holiest month of the year for Muslims.
Noah Musser/KANSAN
The Muslim calendar follows the moon, and therefore Ramadan can fall during any season, said Daniel Breslauer, professor of religious studies. The appearance of the new moon decides when any Muslim month, including Ramadan, begins.
Fasting during Ramadan reminds believers of what life is about, Alhassani said.
"Life is not about making money," he said.
"Life is not about being strong. Life is not about getting A's and B's. Ramadan makes you pause and think about why you really are here — to perform certain duties that God has laid upon you."
Fasting during Ramadan is a duty for Muslims. All Muslims must participate, with the exception of children, pregnant or menstruating women, travelers and the elderly.
But for Alhassani, the duty is not a burden. "I look forward to it every year," he said. "It gives you self-satisfaction and inner peace."
Fasting also makes one think about those less fortunate, Alhassani said. Therefore charity is common among Muslims during Ramadan.
Alhassani said fasting did not change his habits much because he usually rises at sunrise to pray. During Ramadan, he will wake up about 15 minutes earlier to have breakfast before the sun rises. His next meal will be after sunset.
Hunger and thirst does not distract Alhasani in class.
"After the first couple of days, you don't notice it anymore," he said.
Observing Ramadan in Lawrence is very different from observing it in Yemen, Alhassani said. Yemen is a Muslim country, and the society is built around Muslim traditions. During Ramadan, the people of Yemen work less so they can have more time to pray.
The atmosphere in a Muslim society
does in the United States during Christmas, Alhassani said.
This year, Ramadan falls in winter, and days are shorter and temperatures lower in Kansas than in the Middle East. Although the holiday here is less taxing on the body, it still is difficult. Alhassani said.
"It's the worst time for homesickness," he said. "Sometimes you really feel down."
To battle the homesickness, the Muslim Student Association organizes nighttime dinners and prayers to try to recreate the home-country atmosphere of its 200 members.
Homesickness was a problem for Hani Al Aali during the Ramadan of his freshman year.
"I felt homesick because at home, Ramadan is when you see everybody all the
time," said Al Aali, Aali, Bahrain, junior.
During a normal day of Ramadan in Bahrain, Al Aali would go to school, come home and nap, do some homework and then go to a coffee shop and socialize until late in the evening.
"It's different here," he said. "You don't have the same atmosphere."
"It's not a bother," he said. "It's just a matter of adjusting."
A difficulty in observing Ramadan at the University is seeing other people eat, Al Aalil said. But he only notices that for a day or two.
In addition to fasting, Al Aali also tries to avoid cussing and other bad habits during Ramadan.
"It's basically about being the best you can be," he said.
Cultural
Page 8A
topics
Mango Jam, with Caroline's Spine, 10 p.m., at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. $5.
Tonight
Barry Osbourne, with Benito Bones and Friends, 6 p.m., at full Moon Cafe, 803 Massachusetts St. Free.
Tim Mahoney and the Meienes, 10 p.m., at The Jazzhaus of Lawrence, 926/12 Massachusetts St. $4.
Sable, 9:30 p.m., at Johnny's Tavern, 401 N. 2nd St. $2.
Tomorrow
Billy Goat, with Lone Star Trio and Baby Fat, 10 p.m., at The Bottleneck $6-87.
Monica Peck and Hoodoo U Love, 6 p.m., at Full Moon Cafe. Free.
**Floyd's Funk Revival, with Lezel, 8 p.m., at the Granada Theater, 1020 Massachusetts St. $5-$6.**
Son Venezuela, 10 p.m. at the Jazhaua of Lawrence. $4.
Sable, 9:30 p.m. at Johnny's Tavern. $2.
Tuesday
- Minneapolis Convention, 7 p.m., at Full Moon Cafe. Free.
- Two Minutes of Hate, 11:30 p.m., at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St. $2.
Wednesday
Perthshire Concave Force, who blunts Head Beggars and Safety Orange, 8 p.m., at the Granada Theater. $4-$5.
Feminist Collective Force, with Blues Beggars and Safety Orange, 8 p.m., at the Granada Theater. 8:45
Chill Factor!!, 7 p.m., at Full Moon Cafe. Free.
Crutch, with Action Man, 10 p.m., at The Jazzhaus of Lawrence. $3.
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Thursday
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Java Junkies, 7 p.m., at Full Moon Cafe. Free.
Bungalow Trailer Park, 10 p.m., at The Jazzhaus of Lawrence. $3.
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