As Muslims worldwide observe the holy month of Ramadan, students in the South Asian Student Union (SASU) came together to host the second annual iftar event at CUNY SPS. Muslim and non-Muslim students gathered to celebrate, break their fasts, and connect with each other.
“A lot of new students showed up and interacted with each other,” Parshotam Lal, CUNY SPS’ student life coordinator, noted. “People brought their kids and families. It was such a nice event, especially because iftar is about the enjoyment of sharing a meal together and that’s kind of a beautiful thing.”
The event, held in the CUNY SPS building on March 21, had a diverse spread of food, from chips and soda to catering from Shahjalal Food and Domino’s Pizza. As part of the tradition for Muslims breaking their fast, dates were also provided for the iftar. “There were a lot of non-Muslims that showed up, but they respected the students who were fasting and waited to eat with everyone,” Lal explained.
Shihnaz Awan, a BA in Psychology student, shared her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The iftar was great! I brought my two daughters and they had a lot of fun. It was nice being able to come on campus and seeing what it’s like. My kids’ favorite part was the group prayer.”
Another student from the MA in Disability Studies program added, “I love that they dedicated a separate room for women to pray. That was really thoughtful and inclusive. It’s always special to be on campus for events because it creates a sense of community, and breaking fast with other Muslim students and allies was a wonderful experience.”
Following the prayer, students gathered to talk, while some played games like Uno. Many students were also meeting face-to-face for the first time after only interacting online.
“Attending this event was motivated by my desire to reconnect with my religion and community,” Nasreen, a BS in Business student, said, underlining the importance of such gatherings. “Growing up here, there was an emphasis that leaned towards assimilation into mainstream American society. So, it provided a space where I could explore and celebrate my cultural and religious heritage in the company of those who understand and appreciate its significance.”
