(indianastatesman)- - The Muslim Student Association of Indiana State University organized an event "Ramadan" on Tuesday for Grumbling Tummies Charity, a local charity that feeds hungry children year round.
Ahamed Bin Touq, president of MSA said, "Ramadan is a holy month of Muslims. It was in this holy month of Ramadan when Islam came to the Arabian Peninsula more than 1,400 years ago."
He continued, "The first words that were revealed to the prophet of Islam were 'Read, in the name of your lord who has created all that exist... Read, and your Lord is the most generous who has taught the writing by the pen. He has taught the man that which he knew not.'"
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is in this month that all Muslims of all colors, of both sexes, the rich and the poor, are all equal no matter what position.
"They all, except for those unable, abstain from food and drink during the day in worship of God and remembrance of the poor and needy around us, and spend their nights in worship and thanks for what blessings God has bestowed in them," he said.
Farroq Altameemy said, "Ramadan is so pure like the whiteness of the moon that brings it. The purity is contagious, cleansing everything it touches."
Safiyah Hosein, a sixth grade teacher said, "Ramadan is about abstaining from all temptations and desires. It's jihad against the self. Ramadan is the month of intensive 'ibadah' (worship). We worship Allah in Ramadan by our bodies, spirits, hearts, souls and minds. Abstaining from food and drink is not enough to complete your fast.
"Fasting in Ramadan is the best means to purify our souls and to set our thinking right. It strengthens not only our bodies but also our spirits. The purpose of fasting as Allah says in the Qu'ran is to establish taqwa (consciousness of God) firmly in the heart."
She said blessings of Ramadan are, "zakat, unity, commitment to Allah, renewal of faith, the Holy Qu'ran, sent down from Heaven as a 'beacon to the world,' patience and kindness."
Aliyah Dastour, secretary of MSA said, "Muslims are those who declare that there is no deity except Allah (Arabic for God) and that the Prophet Muhammad is his messenger. They submit fully in obedience to Allah and mold their lives according to the teachings of the Holy Qu'ran and Prophet Muhammad."
The event ended with a dinner and presentations to those who answered the questions given by the MSA president.
The event started with a welcome speech followed by prayer, a short presentation about Ramadan and Islam in America, buffet dinner and then with a thank you speech.
"Ramadan unites the community," Altameey said.