Dear Marquette Community,
Al-Salamu’ Alaykum! Peace and blessings with you all.
This evening, we enter Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is regarded as a blessed time since the revelation of the Qur’an and the prophetic call of the Prophet Muhammad began in 610 CE during this holy month. Many mark this month with extra worship, supplication, contemplation, studying the Qur’an, and fasting from food and drink — including water — from dawn to sunset.
Fasting is one of the most observed pillars of Islam, with sick, elderly, travelers, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers being exempt. During fasting, Muslims physically feel the value of, and their need for, basic sustenance when they experience the pains of hunger and thirst. Fasting in Islam is not merely about staying hungry or thirsty; it is also about struggling to contain harmful thoughts and behaviors. Therefore, this transformative spiritual experience involves exercising willpower and attaining self-restraint. The experience of hunger in fasting reminds the carnal self of its true nature; that is, its weaknesses and its dependence on God’s grace.
Everyone understands the feelings of sleepiness, thirst, and fatigue that come with not eating or drinking during the day. Please be aware that our Muslim students may have lower power than usual during fasting from early pre-dawn meal to iftar (the break-fast dinner) at sundown. We ask that you be understanding during this month if our Muslim students exhibit any unusual lack of participation in classes.
Knowing and seeing that fellow believers are fasting with you and sharing the early breakfast or dinner with them would strengthen the community spirit. Muslims often invite friends, family members and neighbors to join them in celebrating the iftar dinner. The Muslim Student Association (MSA) will be hosting an iftar dinner at 5:30 p.m. on Friday in O’Brien Hall 150. Everyone is invited to join the fast-breaking that evening and fast during the day if you are willing and able. Campus Ministry encourages everyone to learn about the traditions of other faiths and boldly practice the traditions of their own faith or non-faith worldview.
I’d like to say “Ramadan Mubarak” to all those participating in our Marquette community! May this blessed month bring understanding, respect, and peace to your lives. If you have any questions about Ramadan, please feel free to reach out to our office.
Peace,
Fatih Harpci, Ph.D.
Muslim chaplain
