MSA hosts 4th Annual Fast-A-Thon
Funds raised for Hoboken Shelter
Matt Keyser
Issue date: 9/26/08 Section: Campus News
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk as a form of atonement and to recognize the plight of those in need. On Wednesday, September 24, the Muslim Students Association (M. S. A.) held its fourth annual Fast-A-Thon, in which participants fasted from dawn till dusk to raise money for the Hoboken Shelter and the homeless who depend upon it. Students, faculty, administration and alumni participated in the event, which has its roots in two of the five pillars of Islam: Sawm (fasting) and Zakat (alms-giving). Overall, 43 people participated, and the MSA raised about $500 for the Hoboken Shelter.
Around sunset, which came at 6:49 p.m. for Hoboken, the Fast-A-Thon participants gathered in Jacobus Lounge for a celebratory dinner of traditional Indian and Pakistani food from Shadman Restaurant in Jersey City. Sheeraz Hyder, President of the M. S. A. and Managing Editor of The Stute, spoke briefly about the significance of the fast and the importance of helping the less fortunate. "The Fast-A-Thon is a national movement held at college and universities all across America with the goal of charity to your fellow man," he said. "For if we do not expect for others that which we have, then what does that say about us?" About 20 people attended the dinner.
The Hoboken Shelter, which has been running since 1982, feeds over 150 people each day with the support of churches and volunteers from the Hoboken area. "These are people who don't know where their next meal will come from," Hyder said. "The mission of the Hoboken Shelter is a worthy one and it is why I am grateful to all of you who pledged to fast."
Around sunset, which came at 6:49 p.m. for Hoboken, the Fast-A-Thon participants gathered in Jacobus Lounge for a celebratory dinner of traditional Indian and Pakistani food from Shadman Restaurant in Jersey City. Sheeraz Hyder, President of the M. S. A. and Managing Editor of The Stute, spoke briefly about the significance of the fast and the importance of helping the less fortunate. "The Fast-A-Thon is a national movement held at college and universities all across America with the goal of charity to your fellow man," he said. "For if we do not expect for others that which we have, then what does that say about us?" About 20 people attended the dinner.
The Hoboken Shelter, which has been running since 1982, feeds over 150 people each day with the support of churches and volunteers from the Hoboken area. "These are people who don't know where their next meal will come from," Hyder said. "The mission of the Hoboken Shelter is a worthy one and it is why I am grateful to all of you who pledged to fast."