Ramadan 2024
In Ramadan 2024, Hamline University saw a serene and communal atmosphere enveloping the campus. However, this year, Muslims on campus embarked on their fast with a sense of uncertainty, not knowing what Ramadan would entail for Muslims worldwide. The Muslim Student Association worked overtime to make this Ramadan one of reflection, gratitude, and justice. We hosted 4 Iftar nights throughout the month along with our Annual Iftar Night at the end. The overarching aim of this year's Ramadan was to foster unity, strengthen our faith, and promote the message of peace inherent in Islam.
During Ramadan, we set up tables in the Anderson Center multiple times to raise awareness of this sacred month. We invited Sheikhs to discuss various topics, including maximizing the days leading up to Ramadan, maintaining God-consciousness, and developing positive habits during the month. Additionally, we formed brother and sister groups within the MSA to foster a sense of sisterhood and brotherhood among members. The sisters' group even organized a trip to the local Somali mall, Karmel, for Eid shopping during Ramadan.
Our 2024 annual Iftar Night stood out as one of the most anticipated events of the year for us. When students think of the Muslim Student Association, our Iftar Night often comes to mind. This year, we aimed to select a topic that resonated with our beliefs and encouraged action. Given the current events within our wider Muslim community, we wanted to inspire our members to engage in social justice initiatives. Consequently, we decided on "Social Justice in Islam" as our theme, highlighting Islam's emphasis on justice and righteous deeds. This choice was underscored by Chapter 5, verse 8 of the Quran, which urges, “O you who believe, be upright for God, and be bearers of witness with justice!”
The standout moments of this Ramadan included our second Iftar night, where we united in prayer and conversation in the Gathering Space, as well as our annual Iftar Night. These events highlighted the beauty of our community and our unwavering commitment to our faith. The Muslim Student Association encourages everyone to engage in acts of kindness and serve their community wherever possible. Although Ramadan has concluded for this year, the memories and positive habits we've cultivated remain. With peace, MSA.
Written By Fatuma Mohamed '24
President of Muslim Student Association