Sundown on Aug. 1 marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, an Islamic holiday observed by millions around the world.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, lasting around 29 days.

Many Muslims find themselves closer to their faith during Ramadan because of the emphasis on spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.

Sophomore Mai Bedair feels that Ramadan is about “gratitude” and “empathy.”

Many find that fasting, while difficult, helps put their faith into perspective.

“[Fasting] makes me appreciate how blessed I am,” Bedair said. “[Ramadan] makes me more grateful for the rest of the year.”

Sophomore Sarah Jaffar believes Ramadan is “not only physically cleansing yourself, but also spiritually and mentally . . . as well as teaching you to be grateful for all God has given you.”

“We become optimistic and excited for this holy month because it’s the month that allows us to ask for any forgiveness and brings us a sense of purity,” junior Zuha Rafi said.

For sophomore Hiba Ibad, Ramadan is like “our mini-Christmas.”

“Everyone is so happy to live for another Ramadan. It’s a

time for self-reflection and a time for reconnecting with what really matters, faith.” Ibad said.

The SMU MSA offers a variety of services for the Muslim community during Ramadan.

Such services include iftars, the meal after sunset, student led talks about Ramadan and transportation to the Islamic

Association of North Texas in Richardson.

MSA President Khurram Taufiq believes that the iftars are great because “they bring everyone together at the beginning of the year and allow new members to meet the general body and really become part of the family environment.”

MSA will host iftars from the first day of classes, Aug. 22 until Aug. 30.