Guests greeted one another with hugs and smiles Sunday evening as they entered the Student Center ballroom for SIU’s Ramadan Iftar dinner, gathering as what organizers called a “Saluki family” to share the tradition of breaking their fast during Ramadan.

The smell of warm food drifted through the room while volunteers moved between tables welcoming guests and helping people find their seats. Long tables were set with plates, water and dates, ready for attendees to break their fast together at sunset.

Organized by the Muslim Student Association and Pakistani Student Association, the event brought students, faculty and community members together to observe the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and share the evening meal that ends the daily fast. Organizers said it was the first large-scale Ramadan iftar dinner hosted collaboratively by student organizations at SIU.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the holiest times of the year for Muslims. During the month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from food and drink while focusing on prayer, reflection and acts of charity. Each evening, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. 

Mehak Saeed, president of the Pakistani Student Association, welcomed guests and thanked the volunteers and campus supporters who helped organize the event.

“Every evening during Ramadan, families and friends gather to break their fast together at sunset,” Saeed said. “Tonight we are honored to share this tradition with our Saluki family.”

Saeed also recognized volunteers and advisers who helped make the event possible and acknowledged that this event took place on International Women’s Day, thanking women in attendance for their leadership and contributions. 

Ibrahim Kamran, president of the Muslim Student Association, said the goal of the event was to bring the SIU community together while sharing the meaning behind the holy month.

“We wanted to do something meaningful before we leave and show the community what our blessed month is about, which is giving back and bringing people together,” Kamran said. 

Kamran said organizing this dinner was especially meaningful to him since he grew up in the local Muslim community. 

“Bringing people together gives me a sense of purpose,” Kamran said. “It makes me happy seeing everyone together.”

Kamran said organizers expected around 200 guests, and the ballroom appeared full as students, faculty and community members gathered to break the fast together. 

“Our Muslim community is very diverse,” Kamran said. “We have people from all different backgrounds and socioeconomic levels, and we all sit at the same table and break our fast together.”

Imam Haq, a guest speaker during the program, spoke about the spiritual meaning behind fasting during Ramadan. 

“Fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink,” Haq said. “It is about self-restraint and focusing on what truly matters.”

Paul Frazier, vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion at SIU, also addressed the guests and spoke about the importance of creating inclusive spaces on campus. 

“I’m glad that we are at a place where we can have events like this where we can sit together and break fast together,” Frazier said. 

Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the importance of community, faith and understanding during Ramadan. 

As the call to prayer approached, conversations in the room gradually quieted as guests gathered around tables filled with food and desserts, ready to break their fast together. 

Staff Reporter Tay Acree can be reached at [email protected].

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