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While most Berkeley students prepare for long nights of studying and last-minute cramming, Muslim students will spend the last few weeks of this semester strengthening their links to God. And they will do so by fasting in celebration of Ramadan. 

“Ramadan is like no other time of the year,” said Aadil Maniar, who is in charge of publicity for the Muslim Student Union. “Spirituality is very enriching.” 

The holiest month on the Muslim calendar, Ramadan takes place on different dates in the Western calendar each year. This year the holiday began Nov. 27 and will end Dec. 26. 

During the entire month of Ramadan, the time when the Qu'ran, was sent to the prophet Mohammed by God, Muslims fast during daylight hours. 

After sundown, the complete fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. 

A time of worship and contemplation, Ramadan is also a time that brings the community together. Following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. 

“People get closer during this time,” said Hooma Multani, a senior majoring in environmental studies. “A group of us gets together everyday to break fast at 5 p.m. It is a very festive time.” 

Fasting may seem counterproductive for students in the middle of finals, but for Multani, not eating or drinking helps her concentrate more on her studies. 

“It's not that I forget that I am fasting,” Multani said. “But there is the sense that I am doing something for God. It makes you not pay attention to material things.” 

Eman Tai, a student at Hastings Law School and UC Berkeley graduate, agreed. 

“The difficult part is not fasting,” Tai said. “ The difficult part is having to deal with school and exams and at the same time having to get ready for the holiday. I think it would be hard, too, if people celebrated Easter or Christmas during school time.” 

Fasting does not affect her performance at school, said Multani. On the contrary, “it is easier to concentrate because you have a higher level of spirituality.” 

This is also a perfect time to educate people about a misunderstood religion, said Maniar. 

“When people see you are not eating they ask why,” Maniar said. “I think it helps build bridges between Muslims and non-Muslims.”