Muslim Student Association is hosting an event before Ramadan Iftar on March 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Hyland VIP Room.  

Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims, where they fast from sunrise to sunset and fasting lasts for 30 days. This year Ramadan will start on Thursday, March 23 which is determined by the Lunar calendar.  

There will be halal food provided by Jafra Mediterranean Restaurant for Muslim students, as well as a guest speaker brother Elhadj Wann. All students are welcome to join 

Brother Wann will be speaking about the virtues of Ramadan and giving advice to students that are fasting and going to school at the same time.  

MSA President Fatouma Sam helped with providing the speaker and making this event happen, and she is looking forward to this event.  

“What I am looking forward to is for more people to learn about Ramadan and hopefully for the LU students and staff to be able to assist Muslim students as they navigate fasting for 30 days while on campus,” Sam said.  

This idea came from last year when former Lindenwood Student Government President Robby Hamilton started this event and the organization decided to continue the tradition.  

“When MSA was finally formed we came together and decided to keep this tradition going of having an iftar gathering before Ramadan as an opportunity for all our LU students and faculty to learn about Ramadan,” Sam said.  

Reverend/Dr. Nichole Torbitzky explains the significance of the month of Ramadan and why this dinner is important for students.  

“This event marks the evening before the month-long fast of Ramadan begins. During the Ramadan fast, Muslims who are physically capable refrain from eating or drinking [even water] while the sun is up,” Torbitzky said.  

“The night before the fast begins is a good time to meet with friends and fellow Muslims to enjoy a big meal of good food to get ready for the fast the next day,” Torbitzky said. “This month-long fast is commanded by God in the Qur’an and serves to help Muslims focus on their relationship with God.”  

Students will be able to learn more about Ramadan and Islam, and everyone is welcome at the event. Torbitzky hopes to help Muslim students feel a sense of belonging by doing this event.  

“Our goal for this event is to support Lindenwood’s Muslim students, help Muslim students develop a sense of belonging and community, and help our Muslim students encourage each other through the rigors of the fast,” Torbitzky said.  

If any student would like to learn more about the MSA they can follow them on Instagram @Lindenwoodmsa.