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Ryerson Annual Fastathon 2010
The Hub Cafeteria
Thursday January 20, 2010
4:30-7:30
The Annual Fastathon, one of the biggest events that is held by the RMSA. The premise of the Fastathon is to get Ryerson students to fast from sunrise to sunset just like Muslims do in the holy month of Ramadan. Not only do students get a feel of a typical day during Ramadan, but they also get to be a part of a huge social experiment, and get to witness what it is like to go hungry for a day. A reality that many face in Toronto, and the world at large. At the end of the fast we invite those who have fasted to a free iftar (breaking the fast) celebration where they can break their fast with foods from all over the world, along with a fun and informative entertainment session.
Along with the fast every year we raise money to fund the Ryerson Food Room via the Daily Bread Food Bank, and the RMSA's Orphan Sponsorship Program. According to the Daily Bread Food Bank, food bank usage has increased by 8% since 2008 due to the recession, and the amount of money being donated has not been at par. With an average 85,000 users per month, the food bank is in desperate need of donations, and we hope that the Fastathon can help the cause. This year our goal is to raise $15,000 to go to these causes.
So what do you have to do?
- Sign up to fast, there will be various sign up locations all over Ryerson with the headquarters in the Student Centre, and online here
- The more people that sign up, the more our corporate donors will give!
- Wear GREEN on Thursday January 21 to show your that your HUNGRY FOR CHANGE
- Come to the FASTATHON IFTAR CELEBRATION, an absolutely free dinner on the 21st of January at 4:30pm in the Hub Cafeteria
REMEMBER
- This is open to everyone! Bring your friends of all faiths!
- There is no cost involved, but it would be great if you could donate!
Stay tuned for event details!
Stand up for hunger! Get hungry for change!
FASTING GUIDE
Fasting is one of the most important pillars of Islam that is directed to all Muslims (men and women). Allah (God in Arabic) says:
O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you...so that you will (learn how to attain) piety [Qur’an 2:183]
Fasting is not new to Islam; it is, indeed, as old as Adam, who was the first creature and the first Muslim to submit to only one God. Fasting in Ramadan should be seen as a spread of the tradition approved by Allah for all those who submit to Him.
Who Can Fast?
For an individual to be able to fast he/she must have these following qualifications:
- To be mentally and physically fit, this means to be sane and able.
- To have past the age of puberty and maturity, this is normally about fourteen years of age.
- To be fairly certain that fasting is unlikely to cause you any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst, etc.
How Do I Fast?
- Make the intention the day you are fasting.
- Fasting starts 6:15 am (sunrise) to 6:20 pm (sunset).
- Fasting in Islamic perspective requires the individual to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and indulgence in any intimate intercourse.
- If you have drank or eaten out of forgetfulness, the fasting stands valid, provided you stop the moment you realize.
General Recommendations:
It is strongly recommended by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to observe these practices during fasting:
- To have a light meal before the break of the dawn, known as Suhoor.
- To eat a few dates or start breaking the fast by plain water right after sunset
- To make your meals as light as possible because, as the Prophet put it, the worst thing man can fill is his stomach.
- To exchange social visits and intensify humanitarian services.
- To be patient and humble.
- To be extraordinarily cautious in using one's senses, one's mind and, especially, the tongue; to abstain from careless gossip and avoid any sinful act.
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