By Al Krastev

For most Earlhamites, the past four weeks have been a time to bring focus back to academics and campus life, but for many it has also been the month of the physical and spiritual challenge of Ramadan.

Since Aug. 11 millions of individuals around the world have abstained from food, drinks, smoking and sexual interactions from sunrise to sunset in observance of the tradition to reconnect with God, be forgiven for past sins and connect with their community.

In Muslim culture the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar is one of reflection.

At Earlham, Islam is a relatively well-represented religion, especially in comparison to its representation in the rest of the U.S., and yet few Muslims at Earlham practice Ramadan.

Sophomore Lobna Mohamed, from Egypt, described it as a good opportunity for families to celebrate together and build closer relationships.

Pauline Sadek, Arabic Instructor in the Languages and Literature Department, said that Ramadan is practiced by an increasing majority in Lebanon.

Sadek also shared how her family, although Christian, observes Ramadan with Muslim neighbors by offering their congratulations. She described how in her community neighbors would always have sweets to offer to their friends. In addition, families would also get together in the evening, to have dinner together.

The last day of Ramadan, Eidul- Fitr, which occurs today, is marked with extensive prayers and recitations of the Takbir by day and major celebrations and feast by night. Most countries in the world have a long-standing tradition to mark the event with a major dinner involving entire extended families. However, practices differ from place to place.

Sophomore Molly McIntosh- Case from Newton, Mass., sees herself as the average American in her largely Christian and Jewish community. In her highly diverse environment, she has multiple friends practicing Ramadan and sees no signs of misunderstanding or intolerance towards them. A member of the United Church of Christ and a prospective religion major, McIntosh-Case described this month of prayers and fasting as a development of one’s devotion and reflection skills.

Sophomore Alex Gebhardt, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, portrayed a different picture. Gebhardt’s community, like many others in Michigan, includes a large Muslim population. In order to increase what he described as the already widespread mutual understanding, the local Islamic Center hosts a large celebratory dinner open to anyone.

Not all views on the effects of Ramadan are positive.

Freshman Tarek Knorn from Ramallah, Palestine, selfdescribed atheist said, “I think it’s done for the poor … in solidarity with the people who do not have money for a meal.”

Knorn said that the majority of the people in his community observe Ramadan. But he also noted that Ramadan in Ramallah is exclusive and unfair. He said that you cannot consume anything in public throughout the day and no alcohol is sold until the month is over, regardless of the buyer’s religion.

“It plays on people’s materialism,” he said. “[It is seen as] a business opportunity. People only care about the trivial stuff that doesn’t really matter: when is my next meal, what should I cook, what restaurant should I eat at tonight, what time should I pray, etc.”

Knorn also commented that in practice the focus is not on learning to be patient and endure as it is supposed to be. Instead, people become more disrespectful to their jobs because they are not being committed to their bodies through fasting. He described how extremist individuals are increasingly judgmental to people who are not practicing Ramadan.

“This minority rules everyone; it’s just unfair,” he said.

As organized by the Muslim Student Association (MSA), Earlham will hold its Eid-ul- Fitr dinner at Russell House at 7 p.m. The convener of MSA, Sophomore Lailul Ikram from Indonesia, extended his invitation to all Muslims and international students on campus.