This year, April 1 marked the beginning of the month of Ramadan, a sacred month for Muslims across the globe. Critic Te Arohi checked in with the Muslim Students’ Association (MUSA) to see how students are spending this time.
MUSA, alongside the Otago Muslim Association, are hosting iftar (fast-breaking meals) for students throughout April. Held at the Masjid Al-Huda on Clyde Street, it is very much a student-driven event, with students helping out with everything from setting up, to cooking and serving the iftar and cleaning up afterwards.
During Ramadan, Muslims cannot eat, drink, smoke, or engage in sexual activity from sunrise to sunset, much in line with the typical Dunedin student schedule. According to Islamic tradition, they try to strengthen their faith at this time, deepening one’s relationship with Allah and doing more charitable acts. It’s often a time spent with family, but George says that for many students here, who are away from their families, “We become their community.”
The timing of the iftar varies every day, but for this month, it happens around 5:30-6pm. The fast is traditionally broken by eating a date. Worshippers then perform the Maghrib (sunset) prayer, after which the main meal is served. When Critic Te Arohi visited, a chicken curry with basmati rice and salad was on offer.
For George, who converted to Islam 3 years ago, Ramadan is an opportunity to “put the material world on pause”. “You spend so much of your time thinking about what to eat, but this takes it all away,” he said. Sahil, an Indian international student who also converted to Islam, told Critic Te Arohi that Ramadan “helps you to think of others who may have less than we do. And it gives you a sense of peace. It’s indescribable.”
Asked about balancing religious observance with a Uni schedule that isn’t often built with Muslim students in mind, George said “I don’t find it too hard,” but added jokingly that “I do a BA. Nothing’s hard.” Sahil said it was a bit more challenging, especially with mid-semester exams coming up, but that it helped having a small, tight-knit community who are observing Ramadan together.
For students who want to learn more about this important and sacred month of the year, George extended an open invitation for anyone, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, to join the iftar. “All are welcome,” he said.