by Nadeem Mughal
The ninth holy month of the Islamic calendar has begun and is in full stream. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of "Ramadan".
Muslims fast during the daylight hours, where they do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. They open the fast by Iftar and may visit friends and family to reflect upon their worship and create a mutual congregation. It is a time of total worship and contemplation, a time to strengthen families and friends, bond community ties and, most importantly, a time to forgive and seek mercy from Allah. At the end of this month there is the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, a festival which is solely for the purpose to be rewarded by Allah for the sacrifices made through total submission towards him during the holy month.
The Dundee University Islamic Society (DUIS) have provided Iftar (breaking of the fast) for students over the past decade and once again are providing full Iftar this year at both the main campus prayer rooms and the Ninewells prayer room from Monday to Friday for the whole month. DUIS also host many educational and social activities for all students throughout this month.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Ramadan and other Islamic events can contact the DUIS by emailing them at DUIS@dundee.ac.uk