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At 7:30 p.m. each day, freshman computer science major Marium Farukh rushes to the dining hall. She goes before closing to get dinner sheâll need when she breaks her fast for the day at Iftar around 8 p.m. When she gets there, the majority of the food has already been eaten by other students, and sheâs left with very few options of what students didnât want. Sheâs frustrated, and now she has to rush back to her dorm before itâs time to say prayers and eat.
Ramadan is a Muslim holiday that celebrates Muhammadâs initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims practice fasting â one of the five pillars of Islam Ââ from sunrise to sunset, breaking fast at Iftar, the meal eaten after sunset. Because Ramadan falls 11 days earlier each year, it falls April 12 through May 12 this year, the same time JMU students will be preparing for and taking their spring semester finals.Â
Due to COVID-19, graduation ceremonies at JMU will be different from ceremonies held pre-pandemic. JMU has decided to hold the graduation ceremony in person, but each graduate will only be allowed zero, two or four guests due to COVID-19 restrictions according to an email sent to graduating students March 17.Â
Mary-Hope Vass, JMU spokesperson and director of communications, said the decision regarding the zero, two or four policy was made by following guidelines given by the Governorâs office for large gatherings.Â
Gov. Ralph Northamâs (D) March 17 announcement addressed how schools can guarantee safe outdoor ceremonies. This announcement states that graduation ceremonies âwill be capped at 5,000 people or 30 percent of the venue capacity, whichever is less.â The announcement also states that âattendees must wear masks and follow other guidelines and safety protocols to ensure proper distancing.â
Today
A mix of clouds and sun. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 72F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph..
Tonight
A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Thunder is possible early. Low 49F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Updated: April 8, 2021 @ 9:00 am