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Students, faculty to fast along with Muslims

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University of Michigan

About 100 students and faculty from the University of Michigan Medical School plan to abstain from eating and drinking all day tomorrow. It’s part of “Fast-a-Thon 2011,” when non-Muslims are invited to get a glimpse of the experience of Ramadan.

Shaza al-Holou heads the Muslim Medical Students Association at U of M. She says it gives perspective to physicians and future physicians who might have Muslim patients.

"Just understanding that they have that going on, and to... recognize that as a physician. I think as a patient I would feel a deeper connection to my physician personally if they understood what I was going through."

Ramadan is observed each year during the ninth lunar month. The sun-up-to-sundown fast is intended to help Muslims focus on God, and practice patience and humility.

Sarah Hulett is Michigan Radio’s Director of Amplify & Longform, helping reporters to do their best work.