NOVA Scholars, Alumni and Students Share Remembrances of Ramadan

NOVA’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion recently hosted “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ramadan,” held both virtually and in person on the Annandale Campus. The event was kicked off by Rommel Aguilar, counselor and chair of the Annandale Campus’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee alongside Ann Stegner, professor of religion at the Annandale Campus, in which they opened the event and introduced the following speakers:

• Daoud Nassimi, adjunct associate professor of Islam at NOVA
• Imam Jamal Kakar, Madina Islamic Center of Springfield
• Taiba Haidari, NOVA student
• William Pasko, NOVA student

To watch a recording of this event (NOTE: this recording is only available for enrolled students and NOVA faculty and staff), visit https://online.nvcc.edu/videoservices/. Click Academic Resources, log in and scroll down to DEI-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Dr. Daoud Nassimi, a professor of Islam at NOVA, said, “How great it is to be able to present and talk about Ramadan.” He then explained the philosophy and objectives of Ramadan and fasting.

“Around the world, Ramadan is being celebrated. This is the month of revelation of the Qur’an, as it was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad. The Qur’an is the primary source of knowledge in Islam and a very important document for Muslims and many others. Muslims are celebrating the anniversary of the revelation in this month.”

Ramadan is also a month of fasting. Muslims all over the world fast as an act of gratitude for the Qur’an and as an act of worship. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims fast to obey God and to develop God-consciousness.

Fasting is about abstaining from food and drink, including water for the duration of about 15 hours or so depending on the length of the day and season of the year. The fasting time starts about 90 minutes before dawn and goes until sunset. It is encouraged that the observant wake up to have a light meal before dawn. Right after sunset, Muslims break their fast with a special meal and supplications in this blessed time. Breaking of the fast is called Iftar.

The spirit of fasting is most important for Muslims as it encourages the spirit of generosity and self-development. When you skip one meal or two during a fast, you get to experience how it feels when the poor and needy cannot eat. It teaches a beautiful concept of generosity.

Fasting also helps develop character, teaching patience, self-discipline and self-sacrifice. Fasting deters  wrong actions and foul language. It is time for reflection about the meaning of life.

There are certain circumstances that allow exemption from fasting such as illness, pregnancy or other health risk. Imam Jamal Kakar said he was honored to speak on this topic at his alma mater, the Annandale Campus. He spoke upon the community perspective of Ramadan.

“Yes, it’s a lot of work, but it is about community engagement and coming together. It is more of a community effort in helping one another, to be more involved and to strengthen and boost each other’s faith. It becomes a community-wise effort.”

Two NOVA Nighthawks then spoke about their family background and commitment to this month.

“In addition to my studies at NOVA, I am working as a case manager to resettle new Afghan refugees, and it has been a great honor presenting to you,” said Taiba Haidari. “Two topics I have in this presentation are, what is the meaning of Ramadan to me personally and how it affects my school and work? It is a blessing that during the month of Ramadan people are rewarded for their generosity. The second point is about the Quran which contains great teachings for all Muslims, and the fact that Allah created life with a purpose.”

I would like to mention that there are too many challenges to facilitate and help our community members, that can be alleviated, not just financially, but also through a smile and respect, especially during this month of Ramadan. I ask for all to be appreciative of the differences that you see.”

“I was not born Muslim, and now, being a NOVA student for three years, my time at NOVA has chronicled my time embracing Islam,” said William Pasko. Ramadan helps me to continue to help those around me. The most beautiful thing that I have witnessed in my three Ramadans (so far) is that the change within myself was not enough – the change I saw, self-discipline, God consciousness – I felt I needed to give it to others as well.”

“We fast with our tongues by refraining from ill-speaking and with our hands to avoid hurting ourselves and others. Ramadan is important in its entirety, I came to this epiphany as I am still new to the faith – when Ramadan only impacts you – although this is very good to self-motivate, but the most important thing is that people see Ramadan in you as a Muslim. Unfortunately, people have preconceived notions, and we use this month of Ramadan to create peace and communication.”

The panel concluded with a question-and-answer period.

For a better understanding of the Five Pillars, please see the following as researched by the Met Museum.

If you attended this event, please complete a brief survey. Your responses will help us plan for the NOVA community in the future. The survey is available here.

Submitted by:
Hoang Nguyen, Assoc. Director of External Comms., HDNguyen@nvcc.edu