In every iBook on campus, the word “Eid-ul-Fitr” fills the space under Monday, Sept. 21. While some students might not think much of the word, it holds special importance for many at the University.It means “the last day of the fast,” a reference to the final day of the Islamic holiday Ramadan, celebrated by many practicing Muslims on campus.

The holiday is celebrated annually during the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. This year, the holiday began the last week of August. For 30 consecutive days, Muslims all over campus fasted from sunrise to sunset.

Mohammad Sahrapour, graduate student and social chair of the Persian Cultural Association (PCA), said the purpose behind Ramadan is primarily to put aside material things, focus on one’s spiritual side and get a sense for what less fortunate people in society feel.

One highly emphasized part of the holiday is the idea of giving, Sahrapour added.

“One tradition of the fast is when we go to people’s houses and break the fast,” Sahrapour said. “This gathering does give us strength because we are fasting together and there’s a sense of community.”

The structure of one’s day must also be adjusted accordingly to take fasting into account. Sahrapour said the lack of eating might take a toll on one’s daily routine.

Sahrapour’s day typically started at 4:30 a.m and ended around 4 p.m.

“My brain just doesn’t want to work anymore after that,” he said.

Sahrapour said he does not believe the campus as a whole is very well informed about what Ramadan is, when it is or what it entails.

“Two Saturdays ago, Iranians, some of whom are students and some community members, decided to host one of the Iftars, which is the meal that breaks the fast,” Sahrapour said. “We sent out e-mails to help publicize the event to get people to come and learn about Muslims, and there were about 400-500 people at the mosque that day.”

The president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA), Omar Fareedi, said Ramadan is integrated throughout campus as an attempt to inform the unaware.

“In the past we have held events, such as Islam Awareness Week to educate people about Ramadan, Eid (Eid-UI-Fitr), and Islam in general.”

Fareedi said a typical day for a Muslim student during Ramadan involves prayer and celebration.

“For people in the Chicagoland area, the day entails heading to prayer early in the morning and then for the rest of the day, meeting with family and friends,” Fareedi said.

Although Ramadan concluded Monday, there will be several opportunities for students to explore Islamic practices throughout the year.

Fareedi suggests keeping an eye out for Islam Awareness Week later this year.