Collegio Online

Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Campus Life

Media Credit: Sunny Kim Badar Doburaid, President of the Saudi Student Association, gets a little treat from his son Tamim Doburaid during the events at Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium on Friday, Oct 3.

As guests entered the lobby of Pittsburg's Memorial Auditorium, they were greeted with sweet Arabian coffee and a sampling of dates.
The gesture was just a hint of what about 50 guests would experience during the Saudi Arabia Association's presentation of their culture. They tried on traditional wedding clothes from Saudi Arabia, posed for pictures in Saudi Arabian style, they viewed Arabic dances and sampled Middle Eastern dishes.
Welcome to Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday that officially ends the month of Ramadan for Pitsburg State University Muslim students. This year, the students celebrated the day in Pittsburg's Memorial Auditorium, where about 50 Muslim students gave a presentation about the holiday and about their countries.
"It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the fulfillment of a month of blessings and joy," said Meshal AlBalawi, senior in construction management from Saudi Arabia.
Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. The Eid al-Fitr fell on Oct. 1 this year. But the Saudi Arabia Association celebrated it on Friday, Oct. 3.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving.
"It is mandatory for Muslims to fast from dawn until dusk, we abstain from pleasures such as cigarettes and sexual activity during the daylight of the fasting month," said Meshal AlJohari, also from Saudi Arabia, and a graduate student in human resource management.
Among the Americans who came to learn about the holiday was Julia Helminiak, PSU's study abroad coordinator, who says she was impressed by the students' presentation.
"They have imparted a lot of information about their country and the food is really good," Helminiak said.
According to Mansour Alfawaz, senior in electronic engineering, the period of fasting ends when the new moon is sighted on the evening of the last day of Ramadan.
"The joy of Eid actually begins before the first day," said Alfawaz. "A week or a day before the big day, excitement rises as the house is readied for the big celebration with new furniture and decorations."

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