By Kenneth Dahl
In the Muslim faith it is believed the Holy Quran was sent down from heaven on the 27th day of the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.
Ramadan, the Muslim fast observed during the holy month, is finishing and BYU student Shadi Qawasmi, a member of the Muslim faith, said he is grateful for the time to worship.
Qawasmi, a native of Jerusalem and BYU student for two and a half years, said BYU has been accommodating to his religious beliefs.
'I have not felt any prejudice at BYU,' Qawasmi said. 'I have been able to participate in Ramadan with the friends I have here.'
The holy month is a time where Muslims spend time with family and friends and focus on worship and contemplation Qawasmi said. Abstaining from food or drink during the daylight hours contributes to the sense of worship. After sunset the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. After iftar it is customary to visit friends and family.
'During Ramadan you never eat by yourself,' Qawasmi said.
Qawasmi and other Muslim students removed from their families gather together to break their fast each evening.
Qawasmi said Ramadan is more just fasting. It provides time to remember the poor.
It is also a time of prayer. During Ramadan the Muslim recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer or the 'Night Prayer.' The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers.
Qawasmi said there are about 100 Muslim students here at BYU.