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Duke Muslims Begin Ramadan Celebration on Campus

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at Duke will observe the holy month of Ramadan (July 8- August 8) with a series of events beginning tomorrow: including iftars (breaking-the-fast meals), pre-dawn breakfasts (suhoor), and additional prayers at night (Taraweeh). 

These events are open to the Duke Community and the general public. (See accompanying schedule)

Duke's Muslim chaplain Imam Abdullah Antepli says more Muslims are attending Duke, and a few incoming students are even doing pre-Orientation programs during Ramadan.

There are about 600 undergraduate and graduate Muslim students at Duke -- about evenly divided between foreign and U.S. residents.

New MSA president and rising senior Ahmed Alshareef says he's seen familiarity with Ramadan increase in the U.S. as the Muslim holiday has become "more respected" and "more popular." Ramadan dates have also begun to appear on mainstream U.S. calendars in recent years.

"More people know the month's name when I tell them, or they can associate it with fasting if they ask. There is also media coverage of the beginning of the month in many national news sources and many interfaith events are based on breaking fast together during this month." Alshareef said.

"It is one of those facets of Islam that really intrigues people more than it does scare them away. Most questions I receive are about motivation and reward for difficult fasts."

In addition to the schedule below, the MSA is planning a prayer on Aug. 8, 2013, to celebrate Eid (the end of Ramadan), followed by a brunch that will be open to the Duke community and general public. For more information, visit the MSA website.