Shayra Shoshi

Students gathering and eating during MSA’s Iftar event to celebrate Ramadan

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) hosted an iftar celebration on March 6 to celebrate Ramadan. At the door, students paid a $7 entry fee, which was used as a donation towards a charity providing aid to Palestinians suffering from food insecurities.

Vice President and junior Ananna Ali said, “The iftar event was created with the hope of bringing the Muslim community together and fostering a sense of unity. We also wanted to create an inclusive space where everyone, including non-Muslims, could experience a little bit of what Ramadan is like.” All students received an invitation to attend and students from MSA chapters at local schools also participated. 

During the holy month of Ramadan, which began on February 28, Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset, encouraging self-control and empathizing with those who are less fortunate. During the evening meal that breaks the fast, known as “iftar,” friends and family gather around to celebrate and spend time together. Two restaurants, Texas Fried Chicken and Dar Al Yemen, donated food for students at the MSA’s event. 

MSA co-President Shayra Shoshi said, “This event helped us to raise money for charity, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan. It also helped bring our community together, even for MSA clubs outside of our school, and allowed those who aren’t Muslim to learn about Islam and its practices.”

Planning for the event started little over a week before March 6. Senior Maimuna Amina said, club leaders determined a theme for decorations, asked club members to bring food and drinks to the event, and secured the cafeteria as the site of the event with the help of Assistant Principal of Organization Ellen Fee, who also advised MSA. 

Co-President and senior Ayoub Ayoub said, “I was really impressed with how it turned out. We were not sure [of] how many people to expect. However, over fifty people came, including those from outside of THHS and other high schools such as Flushing High School and John Adams. I was really proud of this, and we were also able to raise over $500 for charity while people broke their fast and ate plenty.”

Sophomore Safir Azad said, “Something that was special about the event was the sense of community that was established. By helping out and arranging the cafeteria for the event, it allowed me to hang out with my friends as well as other people from the MSA board. Also, as a Muslim myself, I was able to practice my faith with my peers regardless of their cultural background.”

Senior Ramisa Sharif said that the event just needed some takeout containers, as the sponsors donated so much food.  “Many people wanted to take some home to their families and friends, and it was something that students asked about frequently during the event,” she said. 

One student said he wanted to see more people present, given the large Muslim population at the school. “It may have been the late start of the event, which would require many students to remain at school until they had to break their fast. I think the event should’ve started earlier so we could include more activities that can engage the community before we enjoy eating together,” Senior Maliha Mosharaff said. 

Shayra said that the club wasn’t sure how many people would attend, as only a few people had filled out the interest form. In the end, many more than the eleven who filled out the form showed up.

Maliha said, “The most special aspect of the event was meeting new people, and even seeing non-Muslims partake in this beautiful event.” 

Ayoub said, “Events like this [allow students] to bring their friends and engage in the community that they feel belonging in. People love to come together for Ramadan, and this was no different.”