By Staff

Two Muslim religious leaders, who visited the college November 21, defined the significance of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year, a period of daily fasting from sunrise to sunset. 
Ramadan is considered the holiest month because the Holy Book of Islam, The Quran, was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad during this month. The talk, given in the E-Building Atrium, was sponsored by the Muslim Student Association to build relationships and promote understanding between groups and to inform fellow students about Islam and its true form and practice.

Shakiel Humayun, a religious student who is studying to be an Imam, said that Muslims during Ramadan fast in order that they may acquire Taqwa, which is defined by many as having the consciousness of God.

“Over the course of 28 or 29 days,every single Muslim, male and female, checks themselves on how much Taqwa they acquired,” said Mr. Humayun. 
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, going without food or drink. They do this to weaken the evil desires to increase self-control and an appreciation of Allah
Additionally, fasting allows Muslims to cleanse their bodies and to sensitize themselves to the plight of those who are hungry. This year Ramadan began on November 17 and ends with a celebration on December 14.

Imam Abdul Malik , from the Islamic Cultural Center on Fulton Street in Brooklyn and the official Chaplain of the Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Department was the second speaker.

Imam Malik thanked LaGuardia and students for inviting the two speakers. He urged students to think for themselves. He said that too many have been deceived by others because they have not used what God has given them – their intellectual capacity.