Corrections appended
Hundreds of students went hungry for a day to experience a popular Muslim ritual and raise money for charity.
Over 400 participants fasted from sunrise to sundown on Saturday at the annual Muslim Student Association Fast-a-Thon to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina, concluding with an end-of-fast banquet held in Houston Hall.
Filing in to The Hall of Flags, attendees were asked to donate money, receiving one raffle ticket for each dollar they donated in return; various local businesses sponsored the event by donating gift certificates for the raffle.
Following an end-of-fast prayer by practicing Muslims, participants were treated to an array of Middle-Eastern styled plates, including tandoori chicken, curry and papri chat, a combination of chickpeas and vegetables.
"Our goal was to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims, especially in Mississippi, and share awarness of our religion," said MSA board member Amanda El-Dakhakhni.
"We'll be donating all of the $1,100 raised to a health clinic in Biloxi, Miss.," that recently replaced the clinic wiped out by Hurricane Katrina, she added.
According to MSA figures, 350 out of the 400 people who attended this year's banquet were non-Muslim.
"I did it because it was for a good cause, and it was a new experience," said participant Fernanda Dobal. "It was a chance to experience the practices of another religion.
"I think non-Muslims should experience what fasting is like," said MSA member Suhail Dar. "It's not just abstaining from food and drink, but it's about abstaining from your desires."
"People get to experience how Muslims come together regardless of their religion," Dar said.
"It's been a fun learning experience," said attendee Naveed Rashid, who attended a pre-fast breakfast with other participants at Philly Diner prior to sunrise.
Corrections: -This article neglected to include that Naveed Rashid is a member of the MSA Executive Board, as well as co-Chairman of the the Social Committee along with Amanda El-Dakhakhni. -The article lists incorrectly that each dollar donated earned a raffle ticket. In fact, raffle tickets were two for $5 or $3 each.
