The Muslim Student Association at Grand Valley State University began its Ramadan Iftar 2026 series last Tuesday in the Kirkhof Center.

Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Fasting includes abstaining from food and water during daylight hours and is considered a time of spiritual reflection and renewal. Additional weekly iftars are scheduled for this Tuesday and Tuesday, March 17.

According to Adham AlHajHussein, president of the Muslim Student Association, the gatherings are intentionally simple and centered on community.

“The guests can expect a warm and simple banquet-style get-together,” said AlHajHussein. “Nothing flashy and nothing formal. The time is simply to gather as a community, break fast and catch up with each other. As far as food, we will have a mix of different cultural cuisines. All the meat items will be Halal.”

Iftar, meaning “fast-breaking meal,” is taken after the sun has set during Ramadan. It is often eaten in familial or community settings and serves as a time of connection. Traditional foods served during iftar vary across countries and traditions due to the widespread influence of Islam.

AlHajHussein commented on the purpose and significance of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

“Ramadan is a special month in Islam when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” AlHajHussein said. “Muslims abstain from food, water and intimacy during the day, which helps build self-control and gratitude. It’s a time to pray more and grow closer to God. People also give more to charity and strengthen themselves and their relationships spiritually.”

For AlHajHussein and the Muslim Student Association, breaking fast together carries a broader meaning within the campus community. University students often become disconnected from family members, especially if they live on campus. Cultivating community provides support and a sense of belonging. The iftar series provides a meaningful connection for Muslim students in this way.

“It truly symbolizes the unity of the GVSU community and the growth of the multicultural, multi-religious landscape of the school and the surrounding area,” said AlHajHussein. “That warm community feel is amazing, especially when you see people of many different cultural backgrounds and surprisingly many different faith backgrounds.”

Ramadan also reshapes students’ daily schedules as they balance academics, work and religious commitments. According to AlHajHussein, it can be a challenge for those who observe it.

“Ramadan changes the entire flow of a student’s day,” said AlHajHussein. “You’re balancing classes, work and responsibilities while also fasting from dawn to sunset. It can be demanding, but it also brings discipline and purpose. For many students, Ramadan becomes more than just not eating or drinking—it’s a time to intentionally get closer to God through prayer, reflection and charity.”

At GVSU, there are many resources on campus to assist students in achieving a better sense of balance during this time. Students observing Ramadan can access interfaith prayer rooms at the DeVos Center, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences and Kirkhof Center. Weekly Jummah prayer is held Fridays at 2 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center Lounge. Dining resources, including late-night campus options and the to-go box program at Fresh Food Co. and The Dish, are available for fasting students.

While iftar remains consistent in its purpose each year, AlHajHussein said attendance continues to grow.

“In many ways, it’s similar because the heart of it never changes: it’s about worship and gratitude, not just food,” AlHajHussein said. “Each year, we’re seeing more people attend—Muslims and non-Muslims—and it’s genuinely beautiful to witness. That growth shows the strength of the GVSU community and how meaningful it is when people from different cultures and faith backgrounds come together in one space with respect and good intentions.”

Students must RSVP in advance to attend the iftar series through an online form. This can be found on the event’s listing page through LakerLink.