Afshan Patel Columnist

As I walked down East Second Street, heading toward the Islamic Center of Tucson, my stomach growled once again, protesting for food.

The last 15 minutes of my fast were becoming challenging, especially since I had woken up 10 minutes too late for Sahour (the pre-sunrise meal) that morning.

An important Muslim belief is that Allah has locked the devil away for the month of Ramadan. Because Ramadan is a devil-free month, it is easier to fast.

This belief makes it easier to control my thoughts and actions so, even if I'm dying to do something, there's always this thought in my head ÷ no devil around; if you do this, you can only blame yourself.

It definitely makes it easier to abstain from food; angry, mean thoughts; and other prohibited activities.

As I walked on, I could not help but notice the difference between fasting in Pakistan and in Arizona. Fasting in a predominantly Muslim country is very different from fasting in the United States.

This year is my third Ramadan in Arizona; however, I still miss being at home for this wonderful month.

Going to the ICT and opening my fast with my Muslim sisters or getting together with friends definitely takes away that lonely feeling.

In Pakistan, the population is approximately 97 percent Muslim. Fasting over there is synonymous with giving to the poor, as it is here, but with some unique cultural rituals.

The day the moon is sighted and the beginning of Ramadan is announced, people start calling their relatives and friends, congratulating them at the beginning of this blessed month. In some places, fireworks light the sky.

As Ramadan starts, everyone tries their best to control their anger and become better people.

Children argue with their parents to let them fast; if it's their first fast ever, they have a little dinner party with close friends and family, celebrating this occasion.

Although being in Tucson for Ramadan is a different experience from the one I'm accustomed to, it has its own unique character.

So, during this month, there are not many temptations during the day; nearly everyone is fasting and those who are not fasting are careful not to eat in the open.

Fasting is definitely more of a challenge here, since I see food all day long, and on days when I miss my Sahour, it becomes particularly taxing.

Ignoring the temptations and getting through my day makes me feel like a stronger person; I can control my desires and wants.

Come sunset, I miss opening my fast at home, sitting around with my family and enjoying my mom's good, tasty food.

Most of the households in Pakistan open their fast with dates and water or juice.

Men usually open their fast and go on to the mosque, while most of the women pray at home, by choice. Then people have a spicy, zesty fruit salad or kebabs with chutney.

After this, people usually hang out and then, after late-night prayers (Isha and Tarawi), families sit down and eat dinner.

In Arizona, I have had the opportunity to, after opening my fast with dates and milk, pray amongst Muslim women, which is a great feeling.

After praying, we usually sit down together and enjoy dinner and a chat. The people I sit down and eat with have thus become my family.

In Pakistan during Ramadan, school and work get off early to make the month easier.

On this occasion, the rich people usually provide new clothes for the poor.

On Eid-ul-Fitr (the commencement of Ramadan), everyone wears their new beautiful clothes and go for prayers; the women usually stay at home, by choice.

Prayers are usually held in large grounds, so that the maximum number of people can participate.

These are special Eid Prayers held all around the world, asking God for forgiveness and thanking him for giving us a chance to make ourselves better humans. After prayers, men go home and celebrate Eid with their loved ones.

Over here, I have been able to talk to professors about having to either leave early or get to class late so that I may open my fast properly and not create a scene in class.

The professors I have had have been very understanding; in fact, some of them have acknowledged Ramadan and accommodated their Muslim students.

On Eid, prayers are held at the Tucson Community Center and all the Muslims in Tucson meet to celebrate another month of Ramadan.

Although being in Tucson for Ramadan is a different experience from the one I'm accustomed to, it has its own unique character.

It is quite a learning experience, and one that I will definitely value.

- Afshan Patel is a finance junior. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu