MSA recently held an Iftar dinner, one of several celebrations on campus during Ramadan.
Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is being observed this year from Friday, Feb. 28 to Saturday, Feb. 29. It is a time of fasting and community reflection within the Muslim community. Each day of fasting begins with suhur, the early morning meal that is eaten before the Fajr prayer of the morning. During the day, roughly from sunrise to sunset, observants who are able abstain from eating and drinking, instead focusing on prayer and reflection. Iftar is the fast-breaking meal of the evening, which coincides roughly with sunset and the calling of the Maghrib prayer. Traditionally, observers will break their fast first with dates, following the precedent of Muhammad who broke his fast with three dates. Following the breaking of the fast and prayer is a larger iftar meal. This meal is often communal and incorporates traditional foods as well as foods that are customary to Ramadan specifically, including lentil soup, samosas, biryani, fattoush, fruit and more, depending on the nation.
On Monday, March 10, The University of Tulsa’s Muslim Student Association, in collaboration with the South Asian Student Association and Every Campus a Refuge, put on an iftar dinner. The event drew fasting Muslims on campus and from the wider community, as well as other students who wished to participate in the cultural experience of iftar and enjoy a warm meal. The event began about a half hour before sunset, so students had ample time to chat and prepare for the meal. The Great Hall was decorated beautifully for the event, with dimmed lighting, prayer rugs, and pretty thematic centerpieces. When Maghrib was called, around 7:30 p.m., students broke their fasts with a box of dates, fruit and other light foods. Following a communal prayer, students enjoyed a heartier meal catered by Albarka International Market. The dinner included bread, rice, chicken, samosas, curry and desserts. Students lingered over their meals and enjoyed an evening of warm food and conversation.
MSA’s iftar dinner was an excellent way to foster connections between students of different faiths and backgrounds. Students asked questions, learned, and shared their knowledge of faith and culture. Having a visible celebration of faith and community on campus was a wonderful way to lead into spring break. It was also symbolic to have three different organizations collaborate for the event, as it fostered cross-cultural interactions and student conversations even more.
Besides this larger iftar celebration, Every Campus a Refuge has hosted biweekly iftar dinners catered by local restaurant Afghan Cuisine. Students have been able to gather around food and community on campus throughout the month of Ramadan. Students have also had the opportunity to order halal meals in advance and after hours from Pat Case throughout the month to make the meal plan work through their fast. And next Tuesday, MSA in collaboration with ECAR and the Association of Arab Students will be hosting an Eid celebration. The first 25 students to arrive at the Great Hall at 6 p.m. are promised henna designs, while the first 100 will receive a special gift. Ramadan mubarak!
