Over the past year, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) has contributed to campus life with their reaffirmations of diversity, equity and inclusivity. With the start of the spring season and a new month underway, MSA is looking forward to their celebration of Ramadan, a holy month that includes fasting, devotion to prayer and holistic introspection.

Adrielys Gómez, a senior in behavioral economics and the president and founder of MSA, shared a few details about the events scheduled for this month, which will be held every Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Myatt Center, where MSA holds their weekly general meetings. The organization will also be hosting an event in celebration of Eid on May 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., where they will be handing out roses across campus.

“During these events, we will also be providing students with halal food in order to break our fast together once it’s time,” she said. “We will also be having a giveaway during the entire month, every time you attend our event, you will be entered to win a lantern!”

Gomez also commented on her favorite part about Ramadan, as a whole. She said, “My favorite aspect of Ramadan is the feeling of healing. Every day I have many opportunities to reflect and become a better Muslim. Through my five daily prayers and keeping Allah in my mind, I feel a stronger sense of connection to my religion. This month helps me enhance my beliefs and have stronger Iman [faith] because I practice daily in abstinence from drinking, eating, immoral activities, and anger.”

She also said, “During the holy month, other forms of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran, and charity strengthen my religion.”

In terms of how Gomez would like to see the university better support MSA during Ramadan, she said, “The University can support students who are fasting during this month by allowing them to break their fast even if it is during class and be accommodating as some students wake up before the sun rises to pray and eat, and don’t go to sleep until the night is over.”

Shahd Omar, a junior criminal justice major and the vice president of MSA, also discussed her favorite part of Ramadan. She said, “My favorite aspect of Ramadan is that it gets you out of your normal routine and makes you adapt to change, so I’m ready to face any obstacles that may come my way! It brings me closer to Allah the majority of the month. I pray to him for the strength and courage to help me with my fasting.”

“The university would be supporting students if it recognized that, after all, we are fasting and aren’t to the best of our strengths right now,” Omar also said. “It takes us some time to get used to, but we also need a break for students who have classes when it’s time to break their fast. They should be allowed to step outside and break their fast quickly before returning to class.”

If you are looking to attend any of the events hosted by MSA this month or are interested in celebrating Ramadan alongside the organization, you can find more information on Charger Connection.