Fasting during Ramadan helps followers of Islam have a greaterconnection with each other, themselves and their spirituality, anAmerican University of Beirut professor said Wednesday.
In his lecture, "Importance of Ramadan," Ahmad Moussalliexplained how fasting is a main component of Ramadan.
Throughout the month of Ramadan, many followers of Islam fastfrom sunrise to sunset, though the fasting can be adjusted based onthe number of hours of daylight.
"Fasting creates solidarity among human beings," Moussalli said."Human beings are able to connect with other people, withthemselves and with their spirituality."
Fasting also helps people restrain themselves, increasing theirwill power and control with worldly pleasure, Moussalli said.
Ramadan also brings families closer together, due to the limitedtimes that people are allowed to eat. While during the majority ofthe time, families eat at many different times during the daybecause of their schedules, during Ramadan, families are much morelikely to eat together, because they are eating at the same time,Moussalli said.
"Frequently, families will bring in poor and feed them duringRamadan," Moussalli said. "It is a month when human generosity isexercised more often."
The end of Ramadan is marked by three days of celebrationsignaling the end of fasting for the lunar year, Moussallisaid.
"The mood during Ramadan is good, though people are hungryduring the day," Moussalli said. "People try to avoid conflict witheach other and many old conflicts are resolved."
Moussalli is part of a program created by the AmericanUniversity of Beirut's "Understanding Contemporary Islam," whichwas created in response to the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Throughout his stay in Muncie, Moussalli has spoken 34 timesduring his five-week stay, Carol King-Reed, director of specialprojects for the Center for International Programs, said.
"Dr. Moussalli spoke for community groups, religious groups,universities and at middle and high schools," King-Reed said. "Heis a world-renowned scholar and has been published in Europe, theMiddle East and America."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
