Muslim students gathered Tuesday morning for prayer and celebration to commemorate Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.
Beginning Aug. 1, the 30-day period of fasting and self-restraint ignited a time for reflection and worship for Muslims worldwide. Throughout the course of Ramadan, University students and local Muslims participated in Iftars, the breaking of fasts.
Doctorate student and Muslim Student Association Vice President Saif Al Qaisi said the University’s MSA group sponsored weekly Iftars for the community where everyone could gather and break their fasts together.
Different groups within the Baton Rouge community take turns sponsoring the Iftars. During the week, the University hosted Iftars at the on-campus masjid, or place of worship.
During the weekend, the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge hosted bigger gatherings for the whole community.
Al Qaisi said Ramadan is a time to reflect on blessings and learn not to take anything for granted. Muslims use this time to grow closer to Allah.
“Ramadan is a month of inner reflection, spiritual cleansing, humility, discipline, kindness and prayers,” said Arabic instructor Hatem Bachar.
Bachar cancelled class Monday and Tuesday out of respect for the holy day. He said he thinks it is important for his students to understand all the cultural aspects behind the Arabic language, and observing Ramadan plays a key role.
Eid al-Fitr is a time of prayer and celebration. The occurrence of this holy celebration is marked by the lunar calendar, meaning Muslims must wait to learn the definitive date of the celebration according to the moon.
This year, the holy day was observed Tuesday. More than 1,000 Baton Rouge residents flocked to the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge on East Airport Avenue to congratulate one another on their fasting and to pray together.
Eid al-Fitr begins with segregated prayer, with men in one room and women in another. Following prayer, there is a sermon and meal for all to enjoy.
Since Eid al-Fitr fell on a business day, many Muslims will host more celebrations throughout the weekend, including barbecues and family gatherings.
Computer engineering senior and MSA member Shoeb Khan said there are always a lot of questions asked by non-Muslim students during the time of siyam, the Arabic word for fasting.
“Don’t be shy to eat in front of us,” said Khan. “We have grown up around people eating in front of us.”
Khan said the most frequently-asked question is simple — why does he fast?
“The same reason we pray,” he answered.
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Contact Lauren Duhon at [email protected]