The Muslim Student Association at West Virginia University hosted a Fastathon in March, inviting community members to fast for a day to foster deeper connections. The event, which is part of the observance of Ramadan, aimed to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to experience fasting and learn about Islamic traditions.
“When you actually experience what other people are experiencing, then you are actually able to connect with them on a deeper level, and that was our goal from this event,” MSA President Omar Sabbagh said. “We wanted to unite the community together and connect together.”
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a holy month for Muslims. Participants fast from dawn until dusk, refraining from food and drink during the daylight hours. In the evening, the fast is broken with communal meals, like those served at WVU’s Fastathon, where meals are provided to anyone interested in learning about the traditions surrounding Ramadan.
Off-campus, the Morgantown Islamic Center also hosted various prayer and fasting events throughout Ramadan. The center serves as a hub for the Muslim community, providing a space to gather and connect.
Islamic Center Volunteer Mohamed Hefeida mentioned the importance of coming together.
“Bringing the community together helps, first of all, kind of normalize those challenges, like ‘oh man, I thought I was the only one with this problem or that problem,’” Hefeida said. “Just talking to each other is tremendously helpful.”
Although Ramadan has ended, Muslims in the community encourage West Virginians to continue learning about Islam and their faith.
"This is Islam, it’s coming together, it’s helping your neighbors. These people are our neighbors in Morgantown, and we need to help them, we need to provide food for them, and we need to come together. It’s very important that non-Muslims know this," Sabbagh said.
Next year, Ramadan will be observed from February 17 to March 19.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI then edited by human journalists for accuracy and clarity. WVU News leverages AI to enhance efficiency and accuracy while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical reporting and human oversight.