Date: April 12, 2016
Time: Doors open at 6:30PM
Location: Colony Ballroom, Stamp Student Union

Fast-A-Thon is an annual event led by Muslim Student Associations on various campuses throughout the nation. This year, UMD MSA has the pleasure of co-sponsoring with United Muslim Relief (UMR) and the African Student Progressive Action Committee (ASPAC)!

In addition to raising awareness of local and global hunger, Fast-A-Thon is aimed at introducing the campus community to the importance of two of the basic pillars in the Islamic faith: charity (donating to the less fortunate) and fasting (abstaining from food, drink and from dawn till sunset).

WE challenge YOU to try to fast one whole day with us, or sacrifice one fulfilling meal of your day; to empathize, both physically and psychologically, with those in need; and to give a little of yourself to find your spiritual center. In doing so, we hope to unify our campus community and place a focus on the state of humanity. As a ticket to the dinner, please bring in a canned food item or the money you would have spent on a meal. These will be donated to the UMD Campus Pantry, which aims to "eliminate food hardship at the UMD College Park campus." http://campuspantry.umd.edu


PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. If you intend on fasting, whether the whole day or from a meal, BE ADVISED:

1. Fasting will begin at 9AM and end around 7:40PM. However, arrival by 7PM in the Stamp Colony Ballroom ensures we start the program and get dinner ready.

2. Fasting WILL affect your physical and psychological state. Please consult your doctor or physician BEFOREHAND as to whether or not you are fit to do so.

3. There's more to fasting than abstaining from food and drink. Try giving up a bad/unproductive habit for the whole day as well!

4. Please drink water and consume a light yet nourishing meal before fasting. Here are some suggestions: http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Fast

5. At times you may feel weak and tired... mind over body and keep pushing! However, if you feel completely unable to go on, get some food, drink and rest IMMEDIATELY! And join us for free dinner anyway.

6. Tell us how it's going throughout the day! Give updates on social media! #FastAThon16


Filling out this form also serves as an RSVP for the dinner. If you have any questions, please contact info@msaumd.org.