Showing restraint: Students, teachers fast in honor of Ramadan

Haneen Wadi's faith has been mischaracterized.

"Islam is about submission to God, and it's a peaceful religion," the Central High School senior said. "I want people to know that it's only a minority of people who participate in violence and act against the faith."

Wadi created Islam Others & You, a group dedicated to addressing questions about Muslim practices and beliefs. The group's first event, "Fast-a-Day," was Wednesday.

Throughout September, Wadi and about six other Muslim students at Central have been fasting in honor of Ramadan. This week, they invited non-Muslim students to participate.

"It helps show people what we are doing and why," junior Farrah Malik said.

About 55 people pledged to fast, and about 20 students attended an ethnic dinner Wednesday evening to break the fast.

During the dinner, Wadi presented the basic beliefs of Islam, her sister Noor Wadi described Ramadan and Malik tried to build awareness about world hunger.

Pakistani chicken, rice, kebabs and hummus were served, along with cake, cookies and brownies. Parents and students cooked the food.

"Fasting is so you stop thinking about your physical needs and think about your soul more," Malik said. "It shows you how other people in the world are feeling when they don't have food."

Parents contributed $250 to a world hunger charity based on the number of people who pledged to fast.

Ramadan is a holy period characterized by prayer, reflection and self-restraint. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims do not eat or drink. People who are sick or elderly and women on their menstrual cycle do not have to fast, although they are asked to make it up later or feed a poor person. During lunch at school, both Malik and Wadi talk with friends or complete homework in the library.

"The word fasting in Arabic is restraint. You control what goes in and comes out of your mouth, so there's no cussing or lying or backbiting," Wadi said. "You obtain self-restraint and God-consciousness."

Librarian Julia Jorgensen, the club's sponsor, fasted this week for the first time. She missed morning coffee the most.

"I'm embarrassed to say I had a caffeine withdrawal headache. ... I certainly have a new appreciation for people who fast. It really did bring home that world hunger aspect," she said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

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