The Oberlin Muslim community joins Muslims around the world this autumn in observation of the holy month of Ramadan. The ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, it is also the most sacred.

All adult Muslims are obligated to fast from dawn to dusk during the month, a practice which entails abstinence from food, drink and sexual activity.

At Oberlin, Iftar, the daily breaking of the fast, is conducted at the Kosher-Halal Co-op and is immediately followed by prayers. During the weekend, an Iftar is more elaborate, as it includes a trip to the Lorain Islamic Association to break the fast with the Lorain Muslim community.

For international students, observation presents some difficulty. In predominantly Muslim countries, society changes pace to accommodate fasting, altering prescribed work hours and other routines. Here at Oberlin, with its limited Muslim population, no such alterations occur.

College junior Adrieh Shahadeh, a native of Tel Aviv, Israel, remarked: “It’s definitely harder to fast in Oberlin than at home because you have to keep up with your academic work, your job and try and see your friends all while not eating or drinking till about 8 p.m.” Shahadeh considers this one of the “biggest challenges” she has encountered in her diligent observation of Ramadan.

The size of Muslim community here also presents a difficulty for those used to a large community for breaking the fast. Bilal Tahir, a College first-year from Lahore, Pakistan, also spoke about the challenge presented by the limited community: “It’s certainly more difficult to fast here, in this environment, especially because of the extremely small population of Muslims around.”

Ahmad Zia Afghan, a College sophomore and Fulbright scholar from Afghanistan, explained his sentiments about the situation: “With the meager Muslim student body, it is difficult and often inconvenient for us to practice our religion.”

“I nostalgically remember praying in congregation [at home], having morning meal (Sehri) and Iftar during Ramadan,” Afghan added.

French Professor Ali Yedes, the faculty advisor to the Muslim Student Association, expressed similar views. He stated that low representation of Muslims is a significant hindrance in the organization and activity of the MSA and Muslims in general on campus.

Some students feel the limited community may point to larger problems: “The absence of a significant population, and thus the inability to organize activity, is a factor that deters future Muslim applicants,” said Shahadeh.

Answering the challenge posed by the limited community, the Muslim Students Associaton has been busy organizing the Muslims on campus and from nearby. On Fridays, the group has been hosting group Iftars as well as congregational prayers. These sessions will continue after the holy month ends. It has also set up a prayer room where Muslims can assemble for prayers and find more information on the community.

The final festivity of the month, Eid-ul-Fitr, falls on October 13th this year. It marks the end of a month devoted to purification of the body and soul in an attempt to bring oneself closer to God and to one’s community. Though the Oberlin Muslim population is small, it is certainly active and dedicated to fostering a community where worship and fellowship can thrive.