When Muhtasabbib Matin '10 first arrived at Bowdoin from Bangladesh, he did not know any other Muslim students. It was not until Ramadan that he met other students who shared his faith.
Although observing Ramadan away from home requires some adjustment, he said that the presence of just a few other Muslim students has made him feel more at home.
Despite their small numbers, Matin said, "It is better than if I was the only student who is Muslim at Bowdoin."
For sophomore Mo Bader, having other Muslim students has made a major difference, especially when it comes to breaking the fast at sunset each night of the month.
"Of course it is different celebrating Ramadan at Bowdoin," he said.
According to senior Hunain Khaleeli, the willingness of his non-Muslim friends to fast for a day or two during Ramadan is encouraging.
"My Bowdoin friends who do not celebrate Ramadan also try fasting for a few days during the month just to see how it is, which is very comforting," he said.
Each night at sunset, Matin and Bader meet up with other Muslim students for dinner to break the fast.
"It is not like we have to schedule anything with each other. We just show up the first moment that we can eat," said Farhan Rahman '10.
While daily fasting for an entire month may seem daunting to students unfamiliar with the tradition, Bader said that Ramadan is very festive and something that he looks forward to celebrating.
"People would think of it as a burden, but it's no big deal," he said. "I really enjoy Ramadan. It's a fun month."
Matin looks at Ramadan as spiritual strengthening for the rest of the year.
"You reflect on what you're doing because it is easier to be true to your faith during Ramadan so it is like a training for the rest of the year," he said.
The College has made accommodations to assist students observing the holiday on campus. Dining Services has collaborated with students to develop a feasible plan that meets dietary needs of those observing Ramadan.
During the month of Ramadan, Dining Service refunds students for the meals that they missed because of fasting. Therefore, students who have 19-meal board plans receive $150 each week in cash or Polar Points to compensate for meals at breakfast and lunch. Students with fewer meals receive less compensation.
According to Director of Dining and Bookstore Services Mary Lou Kennedy, "The plan seems equitable. We don't do special meals for the students. There are only eight or nine students, so it is not a big factor."
Kennedy said that previously the Dining Service had prepared bag meals for the students to take away to meet their eating needs later in the evening after the dining halls had closed. However, this solution was too difficult and gave students less of a choice.
In addition, to receiving refunds for missed meals during Ramadan, Muslim students also have the opportunity to enjoy Halal meat?meat permissible for consumption according to Islamic tradition?once a week during the year at Thorne Hall.
For Matin, who only eats Halal meat, its addition to the Friday dinner menu at Thorne Hall is an example of how helpful the College has been in meeting his needs.
"They have been as responsive as anyone possibly could be," Matin said.
However, even with accommodations and friends to share traditions, observing Ramadan at Bowdoin is not the same as celebrating the holiday at home, especially for students from abroad.
For Khaleeli, observing Ramadan at Bowdoin is nothing like celebrating the holiday in his home country of Pakistan.
"There are so many things that I miss. I don't know where to start," he said.
"The vibe and the atmosphere back home is just so peaceful and it brings the people together," he added. "I think I miss that unity a lot."