Students of all faiths went a day without eating Wednesday in order to experience a sacred part of the Islamic faith.
The 10th annual Fast-A-Thon, sponsored by the UNC Muslim Students Association, consisted of an entire day of fasting, from sun up to sun down.
At 6:30 p.m., the participants gathered in the Great Hall to break their fast by sharing a meal together.
“We want to raise awareness of Islam and fasting and for everyone in the community to understand why we fast and for us to come together as one,” said Farhana Shemna, vice president of MSA.
Sarah Zamamiri, publicity chairwoman for the MSA, said the purpose of fasting in Islam is to overcome materialism and move closer to God.
Muslims are required to fast from sunup to sundown each day for about a month once a year for Ramadan, but they can choose to fast at other times, too.
“(Fasting) is a breaking of the routine and that’s where the spirituality comes in,” said Dr. Nouman Siddiqui, a member of the Islamic Center outreach committee and the guest speaker at the event.
“What you’re learning is mastery over the lowly world and allowing your connection with God to triumph.”
In addition to educating participants about Islamic traditions, Fast-A-Thon is also a charity event. Each year, the MSA chooses a charity to donate to based on the needs in the world.