by Ramadan is a sacred month observed by Muslims around the world known for a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food and drink. When the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. On campus, the Muslim Student Association has taken the responsibility of making sure no student breaks their fast alone.
Each evening during Ramadan, the organization serves free iftar meals to more than 200 students for free. The meals are funded entirely through sponsorships and donations raised within the community.
Vice President of MSA Marwa Saidi said the goal goes beyond food.
“I think it’s important to know that you have people that you can fall back on and you have a support system,” Saidi said. “You have somewhere to go and feel safe. That’s the environment we try to create here.”
The word iftar comes from Arabic and refers to the meal that breaks the daily fast at sunset, but for organizers, the event represents more than nourishment.
Saidi said she loves seeing the community come together.
”I love seeing the community here. I love seeing everyone gather,” Saidi said. “It’s honestly a very fulfilling feeling that we get to create this environment for them.”
Suhayb Mahamed, a volunteer for MSA who helps coordinate the iftars, said the experience is deeply rewarding.
“It’s fulfilling for me as a person and as a Muslim, especially during Ramadan,” Mahamed said. “While I’m fasting, I can make the lives of other Muslims easier and help make the campus more inclusive.”
Rayan Mirza, who is a daily attendee at the iftars, said the shared meal strengthens bonds across cultures and backgrounds.
“I think meals are what bring community together,” said Rayan Mirza. “They help us bond with each other.”
Raed Alobeid echoed that sentiment.
“We overlook our backgrounds and differences, and the main thing we share is this meal,” Alobeid said. “It’s a beautiful message for people who come from very different backgrounds.”
While the food may fill stomachs, organizers said the true purpose of the nightly gatherings is connection and creating a space where students feel welcomed, supported and united during one of the most meaningful months of the year.
MSA says it will continue to host daily iftars every weeknight until the end of Ramadan, and encourage anyone to donate to their LaunchGood if possible.
