College students are used to being hungry, but every once in a while it's for a good cause.
Islam on Campus is encouraging students to fast today from sunrise to sunset for its ninth annual Fast-a-Thon.
The fast will end at 6:30 p.m. today with food at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Doors open at 6 p.m.
For every student who fasts, IOC pledges to donate $5 to hunger-activist groups.
The donations will be split evenly between the two groups: Islamic Relief and Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry.
Islamic Relief is an organization that raises money for the East African drought victims.
"We felt like we owed it to them to donate," said Abidah Ali, vice president of external affairs for IOC.
For each student who comes to the event but doesn't fast, IOC will donate $3 to the groups.
Experiencing for one day what the hungry and homeless experience almost every day is rewarding, she said.
Ali said Islam on Campus always tries to donate to organizations that deal with hunger to continue the overall theme of the event.
Ali has been fasting during Ramadan since she was five years old.
During Ramadan, which is one month long, Muslims must fast between sunrise and sunset and are forbidden from sexual activity, she said.
Muslims are required to start fasting at puberty.
Having fasted for the past 15 years, Ali said she will be fasting again this year.
Imam Omar Suleiman, the outreach director for the Islamic Circle of North America, will also speak at the event. ICNA is an organization that devoted to promoting education and spiritual development, according to the group's website.
Ali said she expects 800 or 900 people to attend this year's Fast-a-Thon.
Last year, she helped organize the Fast-a-Thon as secretary.
Despite all the hard work, she said, she didn't feel tired or hungry at all.
"You really realize how much you don't need food," she said.
To pledge to fast, visit fastathonuf.com.
