Non-Muslim students had the opportunity for a religious immersion Wednesday night at Muslim Students Association’s 9th annual “Think Fast” dinner. Tables adorned with salad dressing, utensils, coffee cups, iced tea and water crowded the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom. Each table contained a bowl of figs, the traditional first food eaten to break the Ramadan fast.

Some non-Muslim students were drawn by the prospect of learning more about the Muslim religion and its belief system.

“I wanted to learn more about their traditions,” said Amy Brackenbury, classical languages senior.

The dinner fed hungry Muslim and non-Muslim students after completing their day-long fasting challenge. “Think Fast” typically takes place during the holy month of Ramadan, providing non-Muslim students with a one-day fasting experience to get an idea of what fasting during the month of Ramadan is like for Muslims. “Think Fast” is targeted at non-Muslim students to create an understanding of Ramadan and fasting, according to Rand Alzubi, accounting sophomore and Muslim Students Association Treasurer.

“I think it’s just a good environment to break the misconceptions about our religion and it’s just good fun,” says Khalid Alzubi, microbiology junior and Muslim Students Association member.

This year, Ramadan ended too closely to the start of the school year to allow for the traditional “Think Fast” date. Because of this, the celebration was moved to a more convenient time. Non-Muslim students still had the opportunity to learn more about the Muslim religion. Students were also encouraged to donate money that would have been used for meals to help relief efforts for the Somalia Crisis.

After listening to the Quran recitation by Omar Alamoudi, President of Muslim Student Association, Dr. Imad Enchassi explained the reason behind fasting.

After Dr. Cyrus Contractor spoke about the political conflict and famine in Somalia, Muslim students gathered in the ballroom for a few minutes of prayer before lasagna was served. By the end of the night, students left with food in their stomachs and knowledge about Somalia and Muslims’ religious traditions.