What happens when faith, culture and community come together? At BYU's Ramadan iftar, people shared more than just a meal—they shared connections.
The BYU Arab Student Association and Muslim Student Union came together and brought people together for their annual Ramadan iftar.
Ramadan is a holy month which Muslims worldwide observe through daily fasting, prayer and reflection. Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast.
The iftar on the BYU campus began with a call to prayer and allowed time for prayer at the garden court.
Mohammad Hameed is the president of the Muslim Student Union. He said that they try to provide students with the feeling of belonging during Ramadan.
“Most international students, most Muslim students, are away from their families, so we try to give them something of the Ramadan feeling that they felt back home,” Hameed said.
The Iftar included speakers and interfaith dialogue.
Sama Salah is the president and co-founder of the Arab Student Association and the secretary of the Muslim Student Union. She says the Iftar aims to bring Muslim students a sense of home and helps non-muslims draw connections between faiths.
“Last year we reached about 500, and I think this year we’re looking at like 530, so it is the largest iftar ever in Utah,” Salah said.
Resources on the tables offered descriptions of iftar and Ramadan for non-muslims. A pamphlet also explained connections between Islam and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ryan Seaton is studying middle east studies and Arabic. She said that she felt blessed to be introduced to the community. She especially liked the video in which students shared their experience of being Muslim at BYU.
“That allowed me to gain better insight and empathy and I hope to bring my knowledge which I gained at this event forward into my studies and into my life,” Seaton said.
The event organizers expressed gratitude for all the people who put time and effort into making this event possible. Next year's event will take place around the same time next year.