For Naima Rehman, the holy month of Ramadan is a time for self-improvement and social awareness.

"You're developing your awareness of what it's like to be deprived," the human biology senior said. "Some might see fasting during the day as an extreme measure, but it's a moderate approach."

She said participating in the fast is a time for Muslims to focus on their good deeds and take an active approach to improving themselves.

"It's not just an act, it's reminding you to be God conscious," Rehman said.

"I'm not perfect, how can I improve myself?"

Ramadan began on Nov. 6, and continued for 30 days.

During this time, Rehman and many of the about a billion Muslims around the world will abstain from food, drink and sex during the day. They will also participate in various community events to strengthen their ties to the Islamic faith.

The holy month is the time when Muslims believe the Quran, the principal source for faith and practice, was revealed.

Mahmoud Mousa, president of The Islamic Center of East Lansing, 920 S. Harrison Ave., said Muslims wait in anticipation for Ramadan to begin because of its importance to their faith.

Each night the taraweeh prayer is conducted, said Callista Ransom, a plant breeding and genetics graduate student.

The prayer includes one section of the Quran, read by a prayer leader.

"The idea is that the whole Quran is recited during the event," she said.

Mousa said everyone is welcome to observe the five prayers throughout the day and the iftar, the meal after sunset, because it provides a better understanding of the Islamic faith and of each other.

"Fasting is a very personal thing, it's between you and God," Ransom said. "Breaking the fast together is a big community event."

The iftar meal contains three dates, a regular meal and either water, juice or milk.

"Islam is giving peace by submitting to God," he said.

"We want people to understand what Muslims are and what Islam is."

Ransom said abstaining from these activities shows a strong sense of control for a person.

"You're controlling your needs and showing yourself you can withstand pressure," she said.

"It's very spiritual."

Sawm, or fasting, is part of the Five Pillars of Islam and is only done during Ramadan.

Ransom said charity work is encouraged in the Islamic faith, but each good deed is enhanced during Ramadan.

"Every good thing you do has a lot of extra blessings," she said.

Mousa said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks brought negative responses toward the Muslim community, locality and country," he said.

Rehman said Ramadan still has the same importance to the Muslim community as it did before Sept. 11.

But she said celebration of the holiday is important to educate the community about Muslims and their faith.