Those observing Ramadan have resources, support and sense of community

From March 22 until April 21, practicing Muslims will observe Ramadan.  

Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month of the year. It’s believed the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad during this time.  

Rana Abulbasal is a USU student and the lead organizer of an initiative to provide resources to those observing on campus. She said during Ramadan, fasting takes place from dawn to sunset every day and time is given for reflection, community and prayer.  

“There is also a lot of significance when it comes to reconnecting with the family,” Abulbasal said. “Life can get very busy and it’s hard sometimes to stay connected, and so Ramadan is usually an opportunity to reconnect with family and reconnect with people you love within your circle and reconnect with the community you are in.” 

It is believed that good deeds should be doubled during this month, and charity work is a major component of Ramadan.  

“I think this centers my whole existence,” Abulbasal said. “Life can be very hard and very busy. We get distracted a lot, and I find my peace and manage to center myself through my religion. I think that’s the biggest part for me. I honestly don’t know how I would manage this life if I didn’t have the anchor that I can always come back to.” 

For USU students and staff observing, there are many resources available. Abulbasal started an observance initiative last year, and it has since been expanded for the upcoming month.  

Nelda Ault-Dyslin, assistant director for community engaged learning, has been involved with organizing resources for students as well.  

“I think it’s important because USU has a lot of energy around creating an inclusive campus,” Ault-Dyslin said. “But what does that look like in practice? Beyond the statements, things on websites, stuff like that — what does it look like to do that? And I feel like this is one of the ways.” 

The initiative has organized to-go Iftar meals for students, as sunset is between 8-8:30 p.m. and most Dining Services locations are closed by then. Abulbasal collaborated with local restaurants that offer halal meals — food that is permissible to eat. 

Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast and is eaten after the Maghrib prayer, one of the five mandatory Islamic prayers.  

“Usually within communities, you start to see a lot of Iftar dinners that are happening at the community and family level,” Abulbasal said. “There is a social reconnection that happens. And all of that is in addition to the spiritual significance that it has. It gives us an opportunity to slow down, recenter our lives and reconnect with God.”  

There will be hot to-go meals offered Monday-Thursday, an expansion from last year, where three meals a week were offered. Those observing can reserve their pick-up time between 6:30-7:15 p.m. 

“One of the cool things to come out of that is the community of students who don’t often see themselves in other activities at campus, can see themselves here,” Ault-Dyslin said. “It’s more than just giving someone food. It’s recognizing something that’s important to many USU students.” 

From April 12-14, there will also be a series of panels and speakers on topics surrounding Islamic relations, Islamophobia, war and terrorism and the history of Islam in the US. All students and staff are welcome to attend.  

“We will have some panels that will focus on owning the narrative for Muslims,” Abulbasal said. “We are often talked about, and we hardly ever are the ones who own the narrative and tell the story. It will be a really good chance to bring more awareness to the role of Islam within U.S. society.” 

Abulbasal believes that opening respectful and honest lines of communication is the key.  

“I always believe that asking questions is a lot better than making assumptions,” she said. “I also think the Interfaith Initiative is a great resource for students that are interested or who have any questions and open discussions through Interfaith.” 

For more information on Ramadan and how to support observing students, visit the USU Interfaith website.