For those of the Islamic faith on the ISU campus, September marks the holy month of Ramadan, which means many will be paying more attention to the wax and wane of the sun and moon.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar, and in the Islamic faith, it is the month that the Holy Quran was given to humanity.

In an e-mail interview with Heba Kamal, public relations chairwoman for the Muslim Students Association and junior in elementary education, she said Muslims are fasting everyday of Ramadan from sunup to sundown, which helps them to practice self-control.

“This cycle of fasting helps purify the body, mind, heart and soul,” Kamal said. “During this holy month, Muslims should focus on worshipping God more, doing more good deeds and bettering one’s self.”

While fasting shouldn’t interfere with the major activities of everyday life, food and drinks are easily available, which is all part of the challenge that will be rewarded, Kamal said.

She also said that while the aspects of fasting are challenging, they bring about a sense of self-reflection, which helps Muslims improve themselves.

“Also, if colleges, students or employers are aware of Ramadan, I think Muslims would greatly appreciate some consideration when it comes to religious holidays or practicing religious obligations,” Kamal said.

Syed Mahmood, president of the American Institute of International Studies, said there are five daily prayers a Muslim must do. The lesson of the yearly celebration is generally based around training or controlling emotions, Mahmood said.

“Once a year you go through a boot camp of proper behavior,” Mahmood said.

Mahmood explained that the correct start and finish of Ramadan is subject to debate by Islamic scholars, due to the difference in lunar calendars.

Because the observance of the new moon happens at different times around the globe, people will start and finish at different times and Muslims also observe a lunar calendar that averages about 29-and-a-half days a month.

“Every year Ramadan moves back 13 to 15 days,” Mahmood said.

He said the end of the month of Ramadan comes when Muslims see the new moon, and the next day is a day of celebration.

“Ramadan is a month of charity, caring and sharing,” Mahmood said. “The last nights of Ramadan are very important and sacred nights.”

Some people will go to the mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan and devote themselves to spiritual growth.

“They will not leave the mosque for 10 days,” Mahmood said.

At the end of the month of Ramadan, Muslims will go to a special service and say prayers with large groups of other Muslims.

“Then they come home, and celebrate with family,” Mahmood said.