"In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful..."

With those words, a glass of water and dates, millions of
Muslims all over the world break their daily fast during Ramadan,
the Islamic holy month.

Among those millions observing the month are nearly 500 Muslims
at OU. From sunrise to sunset the students fast -- abstaining from
food, drink and other sensual pleasures. According to the Islamic
lunar calendar, the month of Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days. It is
predicted that Feb. 8 or 9 will be the last day for this year.

Muslims celebrate Ramadan to honor the month the Quran, the
Islamic holy book, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Throughout the
month Muslims participate in special prayers, prepare favorite
foods and are encouraged to read or recite the entire Quran.  
Several OU Muslims are not originally from the United States. They
said there is a world of difference from the Ramadan atmosphere in
America and in their home countries. Industrial engineering
graduate student Amjad Awawdeh, originally from Jordan, said
fasting in America is more challenging.

"Back home, everyone is fasting, most restaurants are closed
and the whole atmosphere is encouraging," said Awawdeh, president
of OU's Muslim Student Association. "Here, the smell of food is
everywhere. It makes you more aware and self-disciplined."

French sophomore May Nour said she feels detached from the
Ramadan spirit at OU. In her native Egypt, she said, schools start
later and end earlier during Ramadan to accommodate students who
fast. In America, there is no such luxury.

"Here, you have to make a conscious effort to recapture the
tradition," she said. "Ramadan is beyond not eating all day. It's a
way for you to re-center your life around God."   Awawdeh, who
has fasted each Ramadan since age 8, said he understands the
meaning better each year.

"The more you fast and the older you get, you really begin to
appreciate the water you drink, or the dates you eat," he said. "It
makes you think about those who are not blessed with necessities
like food and water."

At the end of Ramadan, just before the Islamic holiday Eid
ul-Fitr, Muslims donate money to charity. Awawdeh said these
donations, known as Zakaat ul-Fitr, are generally about $6 to $8.
In America, the money can be given to local mosques or children's
foundations, he said.

"People should take care of people," he said. "There are those
who deserve and have rights to this Zakaat."

Awawdeh said it is difficult for OU Muslims, especially
international students, to enjoy the month away from their native
countries.

"They'll miss the atmosphere," he said. "In America, it's good
for them to be in a group -- to go to the local mosques. It will
encourage them that they are not alone."

Nour also had advice for fasting students.

"Find a balance," she said. "In Ramadan, my religion is top
priority, but at the same time, studies and classes don't go
away."

Awawdeh said he urges all OU students to participate in Ramadan
activities, regardless of religion. He said everyone is welcome to
come eat with members of Norman's Muslim community when they break
their fast. Meals are served in the Islamic Center of Norman at
sunset.

Nour said the discipline and compassion practiced during Ramadan
should not go away when the month ends.

"It's not supposed to be just a one-month thing," she said. "I
take all the lessons I learn during Ramadan and keep them
throughout the year."
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