On March 24, the Muslim Students Association and other followers of the Islamic religion celebrated the annual Ramadan Iftar dinner. The Villanova family came together not only to participate in a celebration of this important part of Islamic culture, but also to further their understanding of the rich diversity the world offers.
“It’s almost like strangers coming together to enjoy a meal and also enjoy the holiday,” freshman Sophie Mehdizadeh said.
Ramadan represents the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, charity, community and self-reflection. After followers pray the Maghrib prayer at sunset, they come together daily to break their fast with the iftar dinner.
The event was made possible through the efforts of the Muslim Students Association, led by President Aya M’Nadi and Vice President Sara Ouaqerrouch, and the contributions of various departments on campus, from the Office of the President to the Villanova Initiative to Support Inclusiveness and Build Leaders (VISIBLE).
Rev. Julie Sheetz, Director of Multi Faith Ministry in the Office of Mission and Ministry, began the program with an opening speech about Villanova’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus. The University’s goal is to serve as a microcosm of a wider community where the line between similarities and differences becomes paper thin.
. “Interfaith events like this one give us the chance to celebrate the many religious perspectives that are part of our life together here, and the ways that our community is enriched by this spiritual diversity,” Sheetz said in her introduction.
Following Sheetz’s speech, attendees were treated to an hour-long panel led by Muslim Student Advisor Asheq Fazlullah and featuring three Islamic U.S. leaders. Ajoa Abrokawa works as the Associate Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s MPH program, Jude Husein serves as the Chief of State Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives for the Pennsylvania State Senate, and Afsheen Shamsi serves as the Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York.
Attendees learned much from their responses, whether it was about what Ramadan means to them, how they live out their faith or their experiences growing up in a world where differences are abhorred.
Abrokawa sees Ramadan as an echo, meaning she can set aside time to remove herself from life’s daily worries and be amongst friends and family. Husein sees Ramadan as a time of self-discipline, where one centers themself closer to God. Shamsi sees Ramdan as a time of empathizing with people who are less fortunate than oneself and maintaining empathy for eternity.
To M’Nadi, president of the Muslim Students Association, Ramadan is much more than a simple month. It is a time for Muslims to focus on strengthening their relationships with Allah, improving themselves and becoming more involved in their communities.
To Ouaqerrouch, Vice President of the Muslim Students Association, Ramadan is about practicing appreciation, whether it be for one’s family, one’s well-being or one’s everyday needs. She sees fasting not as a means to torture oneself, but rather as a means to develop empathy and heightened awareness for the less fortunate. There are millions of people in the world who lack proper access to food, shelter or even a loving community.
“With events like these, it enables students to broaden their perspectives and build awareness, which enables and helps create a more inclusive and understanding community,” Ouaqerrouch said.
After the Maghrib prayer, attendees were treated to delectable servings of Middle Eastern food by Villanova’s caterers. Attendees could not get enough of the fattoush, rich Arabic Salad, toothsome tabbouleh, mouthwatering hummus, appetizing falafel and yellow basmati rice. Sweet street foods like baklava pastries and harissa cakes lined the edges of the dessert table.
“I hope that non-Muslim students who attended the event now recognize that their Muslim peers are no different from anyone else,” M’Nadi said. “For the Muslim students who attended, I want you to know that we have a community here at Villanova. Although small, it exists, and we are here to support each other.”
Further information about the Muslim Students Association can be found on Instagram, @villanovamsa.
