Dates & Water: UNC student orgs host community iftars to celebrate Ramadan and break fasts together

Photos by Anshu Shah and other members of UNC Bengali Students Association and Muslim Students Association.

Article written by Anshu Shah | April 2024

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims around the world. It is a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and community for Muslims. Ramadan commemorates when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking and other physical needs. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the core beliefs and practices that all Muslims follow. The other pillars include the declaration of faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Fasting during Ramadan serves several purposes. Muslims believe fasting can help purify the soul, develop self-discipline, practice empathy for those who are less fortunate and strengthen one's connection with Allah (SWT). As a time for increased devotion, Muslims engage in extra prayers, recitation of the Quran and acts of charity.

The fast ends each day after sunset with a meal called iftar, which is often shared with family and community members. Traditionally, dates and water are the first items consumed to break the fast because that is what the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did for his fasts. The pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called suhoor or sehri. The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which includes special prayers, feasting and gift giving.

Overall, Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth, self-reflection and communal solidarity for Muslims worldwide.

At UNC, several student organizations including the Muslim Students Association (MSA), Bengali Students Association (BSA), One Africa, Pakistan Society and more have hosted and catered iftar meals to celebrate Ramadan and to break their fasts with other students and community members. These events show incredible unity and initiative, especially since they are made possible by fundraising, generous donations and sponsorships. With foods catered from various restaurants and chefs, these student-organized events have drawn large attendance from Muslim and non-Muslim students.

At the top of this page, we’ve included some pictures from a few of the iftars some student organizations have hosted recently. We thank these organizations for their hard work and dedication to the community.