MSA welcomes Ramadan with annual dinner
Nazneen uddin
Issue date: 10/19/04 Section: Student Life
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The Muslim Students' Association (MSA) is having their annual Unity in Diversity Grand Ramadan Dinner this Friday Oct. 22 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Henry Ford Performing Arts Center and everyone is encouraged to attend.
The program, which is free of charge, will include an Iftar, or breaking of the fast, followed by a multicultural cuisine, opening remarks by Dr. Daniel Little, Chancellor of UM-D, a discussion on fasting given by a member of each of the three Abrahamic faiths and a short play entitled The Children of Abraham.
"The purpose of the dinner is to provide a multicultural dinner and program, and to educate both Muslims and non-Muslims about the concepts of fasting and altruism," said Sofi Begg, Director of the Ramadan Dinner and Finance Chair of the MSA.
This past Friday marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, where thousands of Muslims in Metro Detroit and across the world began fasting.
This holy period is a reflective time when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and other sensual pleasures from dawn to dusk to fulfill God's command.
Muslims not only refrain from physical things but are also expected to do their best to avoid sin and evil thoughts. The purpose of the fast is to teach self-discipline, humbleness and generosity.
"Ramadan is a time where we not only fast because it is a command from God but a time to try and remember those who are far less fortunate than us," said Oussama Founas, head of the Ramadan Committee for the MSA.
In addition to fasting and striving for excellent behavior, Muslims spend as much time and energy as possible during this month towards praying, supplicating to God and reading the Qur'an, the Muslim's holy book, which was revealed during Ramadan.
Ramadan also marks a time when family and friends share the feeling of togetherness. The breaking of the fast is an occasion which Muslims are encouraged to share with others.
Here on campus, MSA is providing free Iftars for those fasting and anyone who wishes to come. This year they will be held at the University Center, Monday through Thursday for the entire month of Ramadan.
"It's a great feeling to be with friends and meet new people from different backgrounds. Everyday, I'm always running in between classes, stressing out about tests and papers but the Iftars give me a chance to sit down and socialize. After fasting all day, we have some good food, pray together and then we're rejuvenated for class again," Begg said.
For more information on Iftar location and times, the Grand Ramadan Dinner or to see other events MSA has scheduled for Ramadan, please visit www.msadearborn.net or email ramadan@msadeaborn.net.
The program, which is free of charge, will include an Iftar, or breaking of the fast, followed by a multicultural cuisine, opening remarks by Dr. Daniel Little, Chancellor of UM-D, a discussion on fasting given by a member of each of the three Abrahamic faiths and a short play entitled The Children of Abraham.
"The purpose of the dinner is to provide a multicultural dinner and program, and to educate both Muslims and non-Muslims about the concepts of fasting and altruism," said Sofi Begg, Director of the Ramadan Dinner and Finance Chair of the MSA.
This past Friday marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, where thousands of Muslims in Metro Detroit and across the world began fasting.
This holy period is a reflective time when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and other sensual pleasures from dawn to dusk to fulfill God's command.
Muslims not only refrain from physical things but are also expected to do their best to avoid sin and evil thoughts. The purpose of the fast is to teach self-discipline, humbleness and generosity.
"Ramadan is a time where we not only fast because it is a command from God but a time to try and remember those who are far less fortunate than us," said Oussama Founas, head of the Ramadan Committee for the MSA.
In addition to fasting and striving for excellent behavior, Muslims spend as much time and energy as possible during this month towards praying, supplicating to God and reading the Qur'an, the Muslim's holy book, which was revealed during Ramadan.
Ramadan also marks a time when family and friends share the feeling of togetherness. The breaking of the fast is an occasion which Muslims are encouraged to share with others.
Here on campus, MSA is providing free Iftars for those fasting and anyone who wishes to come. This year they will be held at the University Center, Monday through Thursday for the entire month of Ramadan.
"It's a great feeling to be with friends and meet new people from different backgrounds. Everyday, I'm always running in between classes, stressing out about tests and papers but the Iftars give me a chance to sit down and socialize. After fasting all day, we have some good food, pray together and then we're rejuvenated for class again," Begg said.
For more information on Iftar location and times, the Grand Ramadan Dinner or to see other events MSA has scheduled for Ramadan, please visit www.msadearborn.net or email ramadan@msadeaborn.net.