Celebrating Ramadan: Community and Connection on Campus

During the monthlong celebration of Ramadan, Muslim students on campuses across the globe come together in unison to observe their faith with prayer, fasting, and community events. This sacred month, marked by spirituality and reflection, fosters an environment of connection, particularly for students far from home.

The Meaning of Ramadan

Ramadan, a cornerstone of the Islamic calendar, invites Muslims to fast from dawn to dusk—a practice intended to cultivate self-discipline, empathy, and gratitude. This year, Ramadan began on February 17 and is set to conclude on March 19, culminating in the festive celebrations of Eid-al-Fitr on March 20. For many, it’s a time of introspection, service, and personal growth.

Local Gatherings: Iftars and Suhoors

Campus Muslim and Arab student organizations take this opportunity to create communal events, such as Iftars and Suhoors, encouraging students to gather and break their fast together. The Arab Student Union (ASU), for example, hosted its annual Iftar on March 2, featuring a halal meal catered by local Bay Area businesses, like Lotus Falafel and Shawarma. These meals aren’t merely about food; they provide a venue for students to engage in Maghrib, the evening prayer that before breaking their fast.

Building Community Away from Home

Omar Salem, a graduate student and the events director for the ASU, understands the unique challenges of Ramadan for students who are away from their families. “It is really important to just make sure that people by themselves during this month have others to fast with them,” he explained. The ASU’s Iftar aims to be a welcoming space, fostering a sense of community that many students miss while pursuing their studies.

Campus freshman Rania Rizwan, an international student from Pakistan, echoed Salem’s sentiments. This is her first Ramadan apart from her family, and she finds solace in these campus events. For her, they create a sense of belonging and help ease the transition to this new chapter in her life. Senior Nusaybah Afifi added that building a community while away from home is vital for creating a support system.

Expanding the Invitation: Campuswide Iftars

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) and ASUC Senator Abdullah Memon organized a larger campuswide Iftar on March 9, inviting everyone—Muslims and non-Muslims alike. After a brief reading from the Quran, speakers like Zahra Billoo from the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Imam Fuad Mohamed spoke about the significance of community service during Ramadan. The emphasis was placed on giving back and the role of “Ummah”—the Muslim community—in uniting against various global challenges.

Fundraising for Humanitarian Causes

Taking the spirit of Ramadan further, the organizers facilitated fundraising opportunities for humanitarian efforts that support affected Muslim communities. These included initiatives like the Sudanese American Physician Association and the Bukrah Foundation, highlighting the role of collective action in spreading compassion and aid.

A Cultural Exchange

Isha Saleem, a member of the MSA logistics committee, aimed for the Iftar to feel inclusive, fostering connections between the broader campus community and Muslim culture. This inclusivity helps dispel stereotypes and enhances understanding. Student Nuha Akhtar shared her experience of fasting as both challenging and grounding, emphasizing the discipline it instills and its role in highlighting the struggles of less fortunate individuals.

Welcoming Spaces for All

Maryam Baryal, the events coordinator for the Afghan Student Association, voiced their commitment to ensuring their Iftar feels “as welcoming as possible.” The intent is clear: everyone, regardless of faith, should feel comfortable participating and enjoying the community, a sentiment echoed by Bilal Wahidi, co-director of technology at ASA. Despite not being Muslim, the value he finds in these events is interwoven into the fabric of connection and togetherness that these gatherings promote.

In this way, Ramadan transcends mere tradition. It becomes a bridge for understanding and compassion, inviting everyone into the feast—both literally and figuratively.