During the Ramadan holiday, which began Jan. 21, Muslims abstain from food, drinks and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Mike Berdine, a history graduate student, who is known as Mohammed As'ad in the Muslim community, said, "It is a time of remembrance, a time to give thanks to God for what we've been given. It's also a time to contemplate about God and the universe and your place in it."

Muslims traditionally fast for 29 or 30 days. Because the start of Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar, it begins about 11 days earlier each year.

Fasting is compulsory for Muslims who are mentally and physically fit, past the age of puberty, not traveling, and are sure fasting is unlikely to cause physical or mental injury. Muslims break the daily fast by drinking water and eating three dates. They perform special prayers called taraweeh, which are performed after the daily nighttime prayer.

"Fasting is very good training for self-restraining," said Yudi Adityawarman, president of the Muslim Student Association. "It teaches you how to be in control of yourself and also how to relate to people."

"There are two happinesses for people fasting. One is that when you break the fast, even a small date feels like heaven sent," he said. "The other is when you see God, you are very happy with the reward for fasting."

Berdine is celebrating his fourth Ramadan. He converted from Catholicism after studying Islamic culture and religion. The rest of his family is not Muslim, but is very supportive of his choice.

"This is something I've looked for all of my life," he said.

The Islamic community in Tucson will be celebrating the close of Ramadan Feb. 20 at Reid Park, on 22nd Street between Country Club Road and Alvernon Way. The Eid ul-Fitr, "festival of fast breaking," will include prayers and breakfast.