This September, one billion Muslims around the world, including those of our very own campus, will observe the holy month of Ramadan. Considering the current climate of Islamophobia, characterized by popular negative perceptions of Islam, it is worthwhile to re-examine the true meaning of being a Muslim through an understanding of Ramadan’s core principles, which include charity, unity and compassion towards mankind.

Ramadan is the month in which, according to the followers of Islam, the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). During this month, Muslims practice the religious obligation of fasting from dawn to dusk. 

By fasting, Muslims identify with those who do not have the means to nourish and sustain themselves. Serving as a religious tune-up, Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and ensure their lives mirror the Islamic ideals of peace, harmony and service to others. As stated in an Islamic saying, “Prayer carries us half way to God, fasting brings us to the door of His palace and alms-giving procures us admission.”
(more…)

Members of CAIR-UIUC are comitted to impacting its its local community on a consistent basis through its actions. As a result of this desire, a group of volunteers began to regularly volunteer at UC Books To Prisoners.

“Books To Prisoners (BTP) is a Seattle-based, all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that sends books to prisoners in the United States.  BTP believes that books are tools for learning and opening minds to new ideas and possibilities.  By sending books to prisoners, we hope to foster a love of reading and encourage the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.”

This semester we hope to continue our efforts with volunteering at BTP, and we hope to expand our impact by volunteering at different organizations throughout the year. Our volunteering schedule will be posted weekly in our Events/Workshops section.