The mission of the Committee on Multicultural Initiatives and Diversity (COMID) is to foster our community and environment where the richness of our diversity is recognized, respected and embraced. Our view on diversity includes, but is not limited to, ethnic, racial and linguistic heritage; religious traditions; gender; sexual orientation; age; and socioeconomic status.

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RAMADAN - Begins at sundown on September 12, 2007 (as indicated by moon phase)
EID-AL-FITR - Begins October 11 (per moon phase)

Ramadan is the Islamic Month of Fasting.  The Islamic Calendar follows the moon and so each year, the dates are shifted forwards by about eleven days in the normal calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. For more than a billion Muslims around the world—including some 8 million in North America—Ramadan is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity.

Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam.  Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm from about age twelve.

Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.

Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers. ²

Eid Al-Fitr, or the Celebration of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims throughout the world observe this joyous three-day celebration. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer. After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire 3-day period is an official government/school holiday.

We encourage the faculty and staff to be sensitive to our Muslim students when planning activities, parties, etc. which may involve food or beverages.

Masalama! (Peace Be With You)