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Students, faculty to fast along with Muslims

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 Public's Director of Amplify & Longform, helping reporters to do their best work.