More than 200 students broke their fast in the McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University in Detroit. PHOTO: Jessica Barrow/TAAN

Students of all faiths joined in fasting on Thursday, November 11 at Wayne State University in Detroit as part of a week long effort to raise awareness and clear up misconceptions about Islam.

The event was hosted by the Muslim Student Association (MSA) at the University.

“We aim to educate our campus community about Islam and to clear up any misconceptions that are in the media and kind of show them what we are about,” said MSA President Mansoor Sidiqqui. “It gives us an opportunity to say, ‘This is who we are, we want to know who you are.’ It gives us a chance to meet with other people and learn about their beliefs and faiths as well.”

The week began with a discussion outside of the campus’ undergraduate library on Monday to see what students knew about Islam. The discussion was followed on Tuesday and Wednesday by two lectures on the Islamic faith and the role of Muslims in society, and ended with the fast-a-thon.

Although the fast-a-thon was advertised on posters across campus and on the Internet, most participants were made aware of the event by word of mouth.

“I have a lot of Muslim friends and I wanted to know what they go through,” said JoAnn Ogbonna, sophomore, who was invited by a close friend, Munira Osman, to participate in the “Fast-a-thon.”

“We always hang out together so she was my friend and I wanted her to know more about my religion,” said Osman.

The day of fasting began at sunrise and culminated with a dinner at 5 p.m., where nearly 200 individuals gathered in the McGregor Memorial Conference Center on campus.

AbdelRahman Murphy, youth director and counselor, keynoted the dinner and explained to those present the reason behind fasting.

“This act (fasting) is a prescription, to cure the ills, it produces taqwah,” he said. “Taqwah  is always thinking of God. This will help you in the decisions you make.” Murphy described taqwah as a characteristic resulting of fasting. He said that fasting helps all those who do so to draw close to God by thinking of Him constantly.

Several non-Muslims who fasted gave their experiences for the day and what they gained from fasting.

“I really did enjoy it and I am more knowledgeable,” said Lakiesha Hammond, junior.

“I really didn’t know a lot of Muslim people before I came to Wayne State,” said Emily Morman, sophomore. “I thought it was really cool and wanted to try it out. Now I’ve learned a lot that I didn’t know before. It was really interesting and a good experience.”