As the sun set on Feb. 27, over 200 people gathered to break their fast during iftar, share a meal and listen to a series of inspirational speeches and prayers in the Great Hall at Fordham Rose Hill (FRH).
The Community Iftar Dinner is an annual event co-hosted by the Muslim Student Alliance (MSA), Campus Ministry and five other clubs. It is one of a larger series of events across both campuses celebrating the beginning of Ramadan organized by MSA and other clubs.
The event began with student-led prayers, which were followed by several speeches reflecting on how Fordham as a university and its students can practice values of gratitude and service. The speakers highlighted organizations students could give to as their Zakat, a mandatory charity Muslims must pay by the end of Ramadan.
Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide. It is a time for spiritual development and increased prayer and reflection. Ramadan also commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
During this period, Muslims are meant to fast during sunlit hours and break their fasts with water and a date, followed by a meal known as iftar.
This is a great testament here at Fordham to what you do to build community, to what you do to show you are proudly here at Fordham, and be part of this family. Father Philip Judge, Executive director of Campus Ministry
During the event, plates filled with dates and bottles of water were arranged across the tables in preparation for iftar. Students enjoyed a variety of dishes from Muslim communities around the world, including cuisine and dessert from South Asia to the Middle East.
The evening also featured remarks from community leaders, including Council Member Pierina Sanchez of District 14 and representatives from the Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, who recognized the role of faith communities in strengthening the Bronx.
Father Philip Judge, executive director of Campus Ministry, was also in attendance and spoke on the importance of building community and being in solidarity with one another.
“This is a great testament here at Fordham to what you do to build community, to what you do to show you are proudly here at Fordham, and be part of this family,” Father Philip said.
We live in our own silos and we live in our own individualistic lives, but events like this bring us all together and it makes us seen. It allows us to see each other, and it also allows others to see us. Imam Ammar Abdul Rahman, Director of Muslim life
These events aim to foster a sense of belonging for students, giving them an opportunity to break their fast together and grow spiritually, noted Imam Ammar Abdul Rahman, director of Muslim Life.
“We live in our own silos and we live in our own individualistic lives, but events like this bring us all together and it makes us seen. It allows us to see each other, and it also allows others to see us,” Ammar said.
Ammar added that celebrating and having iftar dinners are just a few of the many ways to build community and bring families together.
Noora Zakaria, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’26, said she met her best friend and has connected with other Muslim students at such Fordham events.
“I’ve been here for a few years and I’ve been coming to these events, and I think it’s really great to kind of connect with the Muslim community and to just make friends,” Zakaria said.
Hafsah Ziauddin, FCRH ’26, shared a similar sentiment as to how such gatherings facilitate connection between Muslim students.
“Not being at a school with a lot of Muslims, this gives you an opportunity, obviously, to meet more people,” Ziauddin said.
In addition to the FRH event, a variety of student clubs organized similar gatherings at Fordham Lincoln Center (FLC). MSA held its student iftar on Feb. 25 in the Student Lounge in Leon Lowenstein. The evening was centered on faith and advocacy as it gave students an opportunity to support “Hearts for Sudan,” a community-led Ramadan initiative raising funds for aid in Sudan.
When I see people that are also like me, fasting, I feel like it makes me stronger and it makes it easier for me and seeing the people I love around, I just love it. Ala’a Attareb, FCLC ’28
MSA President Lalleyah Camara, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’27, emphasized that hosting these get-togethers allows students to observe Ramadan in a communal and supportive setting.
“It’s very, very isolating to have to do that alone, especially for the first time, especially for a freshman. It can be very sad, so we like to do these kinds of events as much as we can during the month,” Camara said.
Ramadan is meant to foster a sense of collectivity through the communal breaking of fast, which is what campus events have been providing, especially for those who may be alone, far from home or seeking companionship.
Students like Ala’a Attareb, FCLC ’28, find ease in fasting when surrounded by Muslim peers.
“When I see people that are also like me, fasting, I feel like it makes me stronger and it makes it easier for me and seeing the people I love around, I just love it,” Attareb said.
Continuing the week’s celebrations, Desi Chai and the Arabic Club hosted their Iftar Party on Feb. 26 in G76, providing students with a variety of food and great company. Arabic Club President Basma Laassel, FCLC ’26, described the significance of recognizing and celebrating Muslim life at a Jesuit university.
“Especially because in a Jesuit university, you are prone to think that there will be no Muslim students and that you will be singled out as a Muslim student, but having these events fosters a sense of community and belonging,” Laassel said.
Many students, like Laassel, have expressed gratitude for these gatherings, which have become meaningful traditions centered on faith and connection.
Other events at FLC included the MSA’s Ramadan Workshop, which was hosted in collaboration with John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s MSA, and the Fordham Community Iftar hosted by Campus Ministry and five other clubs. Future events across both campuses will follow to celebrate Eid and the completion of Ramadan.
