Willowbrook and Addison Trail Muslim Student Associations host fourth annual Fast-A-Thon to recognize Ramadan

On Feb. 23, the Muslim Student Associations (MSA) at Willowbrook and Addison Trail came together to host their fourth annual joint Fast-A-Thon to educate students and staff members about Ramadan.

To view a photo gallery of the event, see the images above.

According to www.bbc.com/news/explainers-56695447, “Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran – Islam’s holy book – were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During this period, Muslims are required to fast and to give to charity, to show kindness and patience and to strengthen their relationship with God.” Ramadan falls on a different date every year, due to the cycles of the moon. This year, with Ramadan starting on Feb. 17 and having an expected end date of March 19, Eid al-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast) is expected to begin on March 19 or 20, depending on the sighting of the moon.

About 45 people attended this year’s event at Willowbrook, where they enjoyed an iftar meal (a fast-breaking meal eaten by Muslims during the month of Ramadan). The dinner included items such as rice, salads, lamb, chicken, pita and desserts. Following Muslim tradition, participants broke the fast by eating a date and having a drink of water. Staff members and students shared their experiences with the group and reflected on the significance of Ramadan.

For more information about Willowbrook’s MSA, contact advisers Ayesha Rizvi at arizvi@dupage88.net and Nadia Malik at nmalik@dupage88.net. For more information about Addison Trail’s MSA, contact adviser Shane Cole at scole@dupage88.net.