As most students were getting ready for back-to-school parties last Saturday, Muslim students on campus began the holy month of Ramadan.

“It’s a month when we fast from sunrise to sunset everyday,” said Zaina Hashmi, a junior from Augusta and vice president of the Muslim Student Association at the University.

“A lot of people think that it’s just keeping away from food and drink, which is not even the basics of it. It’s more about keeping away from anything negative. It’s about putting yourself in a mode of constant devotion to God,” Hashmi said.

Lutfiyya Muhammad, a junior from College Park and treasurer of MSA, said she takes this time to “focus on becoming a better student and Muslim.”

“[School is not included in fasting] because in Islam getting an education is also a part of faith. So we obviously can go to school and study and all that stuff,” Muhammad said.

Madiha Memon, a senior from Marietta and president of MSA, said Saturday marked the beginning of Ramadan this year, which changes from year to year based on the lunar calendar of Islam.

And though Hashmi said her five daily prayers do not get in the way of her life as a student, she does note sometimes she has to “find a corner in the [MLC] and do a quick prayer” when she is running short on time.

Memon said MSA is 70 students strong this year and the organization will be focusing on community service and outreach.

MSA’s mission is to broaden Islamic awareness at the University and around Athens, according to its Web site.

“Part of our faith is not just praying and fasting, it’s also about doing service for the community,” Hashmi said. “Any student is welcome to join. Non-Muslims can certainly come,” Memon said.

Muhammad, an African-American Muslim, said Islam is an accepting religion.

“Muslims can be whatever race. There is no differentiation in race for Muslims,” Muhammad said.

“The Mosque in Athens is also open and non-exclusive,” Memon said.