The month-long Islamic observance Ramadan ended this weekend, marking the end of religious daytime fasting and prayer, among other rituals.
Biology and psychology senior Aliza Galani is a Muslim who fasted during Ramadan, the observance during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar celebrating the revelation of the Quran. Galani said that Islam impacts her life everyday and in every way.
"Fasting is required in my religion," Galani said. "I fast because it allows me to realize there are worse problems in the world besides my miniscule everyday problems, and that there are people worse off."
While Muslim students observed Ramadan as part of their religion, students of other faiths or none at all view religious practices and their influences in daily life differently.
"I don’t trust anyone to tell me what to believe," psychology junior Rob McKee said. "I say I’m seeking God. But I approach life from a different perspective and try to actually be a generally calmer and more tolerant person rather than just talk about it."
McKee said he questions what he should do in most situations and seeks to ignore factors that might lead him to do the wrong thing.
"Some people profess to be more religious than they are because it makes them feel comfortable," he said. "I think that is a big part of religion – feeling comfortable – but it is important to take action."
Unlike McKee, finance freshman Junyi Gao, a practicing Buddhist, feels that rather than using religion as a guide for making decisions, one should look at things as they appear.
"Religion should not be a majority, but part of life," Gao said. "When we face facts, we should not use religion for guidance for that purpose, but use the logical facts in front of you."
Some students, such as theater freshman Ann Arnold, said that abiding by structured religious views isn’t always the best methods.
"I do not practice religion. I have spiritual beliefs, but I don’t conform to anything I’ve encountered," she said.
Arnold said she began exploring different religions at an early age, but did not feel comfortable in any of them.
"My experiences are little epiphanies," Arnold said. "Sometimes you just take a look around and see how beautiful the world is-especially outside in nature."
Pre-pharmacy sophomore John Ortiz said that although he was raised in a Catholic family, religion is not an important part of his life.
Although Ortiz has not chosen a religion, he doesn’t consider himself an atheist and acknowledges the importance of religion.
"Faith gives people hope, and hope gives people strength," he said.
Business freshman Lindsey Tristan, a practicing Catholic, said that religion helps followers through difficult times.
"It’s helped me through a lot," she said. "If you have someone you believe in, I think that will help you a lot."
Galani said practicing a religion helps her "put it all in perspective" when it comes to social issues.
For her, Islam means that she thinks differently and acts differently as opposed to someone that is not of the same faith.
"(Religion) makes me strive to be a better person everyday," Galani said. "It is very important to me."
Additional reporting by Daily Cougar staff news writers
