Forgoing food for a good cause

Breaking yesterday's Ramadan fast was more than just a religious observance for some people. As part of this year's third annual Fast-a-Thon, hosted by the Muslim Students Association, students broke their fasts and raised money and awareness for the South Asia Earthquake relief effort. Students were asked to donate $5 at the door of the events and about 20 non-Muslim students were among those in attendance. MSA began a relief fund immediately after an earthquake hit on October 8 and killed more than 1,000 people in parts of South Asia. The group has raised $4,000 from other events and hopes to raise $1000 from the Fast-A-Thon, MSA President and College and Wharton senior, Amir Memon said. "We have received tremendous support from the Penn community," he said. The Fast-a-Thon happens during the month of Ramadan and brings together people of all backgrounds in attempts to raise money for a good cause. "Fasting during the month of Ramadan teaches us how to be selfless and appreciative of all our blessings," Memon said. "It is a community outreach initiative. We usually donate the money to a hunger cause but we thought we would take a personal approach this year," MSA Secretary and College sophomore Artina Sheikh said. "There are two really important things here ... the first is showing respect for Islam, which has come under a lot of political fire, and the second is supporting a good cause by donating money saved from breakfast and lunch to give to a good charity to help other people," College freshman Romit Bhattacharya said. Those participants who were not Muslim were there to support both the Islamic religion and the relief effort. "Supporting Penn students multiculturally is vital to establishing a Penn community" said College freshman Ameya Ananth. "Even though we are not Muslim, we have a lot of respect for other religions and cultures," she added. The evening began with optional prayer followed by opening remarks by a Sheikh and then a talk about the "Meaning of Ramadan" by Adnan Zulfiqar of Muslim Law Students Association. It ended with a buffet-style dinner courtesy of various private donors. "The Fast-a-Thon is ...always a fun project. We had an excellent turn out ... more than expected; it all came together," Sheikh said. "I hope this event inspires everyone to take a more active role in the earthquake relief effort ... contribute anywhere they see an opportunity," she added.