The UIS Muslim Students Association (MSA) hosted a night of food, faith and fun to bring people together and break fast during Ramadan at the Student Union on Friday, Feb. 27. UIS students, both Muslim and non-Muslim, attended the iftar event to observe Ramadan, learn more about the traditions of their community members, and enjoy free food.
“Ramadan is centered around community, generosity, and connection, so we wanted to create a space where students could experience that sense of unity,” said Malaak Al-Nafoosi, Vice President of the MSA and Biology major at UIS.
Iftar is the name of the meal Muslim’s eat during Ramadan to break their fast after sunset. Ramadan, which is the nineth month on the Islamic calendar, is a time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. At the end of the month, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of their fasting.
“From dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from food and drink as a way to grow spiritually and practice self-discipline and gratitude. Iftar is a very special time because it brings people together after a long day of fasting,” Al-Nafoosi said.
That sense of togetherness could be felt in the room, as students talked, laughed and prepared to break fast. For some, this was also an opportunity to connect with their culture and feel more at home on campus.
“This is my first semester as an international student. I came here today to be a part of the Ramzan event. I’m grateful for it because Ramzan has an essential part in our lives and it was something I was missing here,” said Numair Chishti, an international student from Pakistan who is enrolled in the Public Health Master’s program here at UIS. Ramzan is the term for Ramadan used in South Asia.
Non-Muslim students were also in attendance to share in the festivities.
“I came here just to learn more about Ramadan and to try some food with my friends,” Cassia Goudreau, a senior marketing major at UIS, said.
The event began just before sundown. Students gathered in the North Ballroom of the Student Union, which the MSA decorated, including custom table settings. When the sun finally set, participants were called upon to break the fast by eating dates and drinking water.
“Muslims traditionally break their fast with dates and water. After that, meals can vary depending on culture, but they’re often shared family-style to emphasize togetherness,” Al-Nafoosi said.
After the fast had been broken, students that wished to pray left the room to do so in private. Once they returned, the buffet style dinner catered by local Springfield restaurant Pita or Bowl, began. Cupcakes, cheesecake bites, doughnut holes and a cake were available for dessert.
The MSA also prepared a game of blooket with trivia about Ramadan, complete with prizes for the top three players. The trivia centered on the history of Ramadan and its observance around the globe.
Some questions were straightforward, such as “What is the meal before dawn called?” with the answering being, “suhoor.” Other questions highlighted the diversity of the Muslim experience around the world, such as the one that asked: “In South Asia (Pakistan/India) which fried snack is extremely popular at iftar?” The answer to which was “Pakoras.”
With the success of this iftar event, the Muslim Student Association has big plans for the future that involve fostering community, faith and cultural outreach.
“Our mission is to create a supportive and welcoming space for Muslim students on campus. We aim to host educational cultural events so students of all backgrounds can learn more about Islam and Muslim traditions,” said Al-Nafoosi.
Students interested in learning more about the MSA or their future events can find more information at their UIS Connections page.
