Trinity’s Annual Community Iftar: A Time To Come Together

Sarah Zahoor ’26

Staff Writer

As the sun set on Monday, March 6, students, faculty and guests settled into the Washington Room for Trinity’s annual Community Iftar, a cherished tradition during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan. Hosted by the Muslim Student Association and the Chapel, the event provided a space for students of different backgrounds to come together and reflect on the significance of Ramadan.

Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is a period of fasting, prayer and spiritual growth. There’s a popular misconception that Ramadan is difficult and burdensome for Muslims, but to them, it’s the most anticipated time of the year. From sunrise to sunset, those observing the holy month refrain from eating and drinking, using the time to focus on gratitude, divine guidance, self-discipline and strengthening their faith. Ramadan is a time to foster a sense of community, cultivate patience and support one another in both spiritual and personal growth.

The evening began with student speakers Taha Moula ’27, Jana Safy ’25 and Erna Alić, current secretary for the Hartford Commission on Refugee and Immigrant Affairs, sharing their personal experiences on Ramadan to the more than 200 attendees and what they’ve learned through reflection and redirection. They talked about how Ramadan serves as a reminder of the self-control we all possess and how it can be used not only for portion control, but also to break from bad habits. Muslims who don’t practice regularly use this powerful month as a time to reconnect with their faith and events like this can help foster a supportive space for this exact purpose. The Maghrib prayer (which takes place at sunset, the indicator to break fast) was led by a special guest whose beautiful recitation created a wonderful start to the meal. 

This communal aspect was the heart of the Community Iftar event. As MSA President Jana Safy ’25 put it, “Being able to come together with people who have similar faith and can understand you a bit better… and also inviting people who are not Muslim and have them get a glimpse into our religion and what things look like. I think that’s very important.” For many students, especially those continents away from family, the iftar served as an important reminder of the support system and family they have on campus. The event allowed for students to take a much-need break from their busy schedules and find comfort in a shared space. While Ramadan is a beautiful and beneficial time for Muslims, it can also be a challenging time while balancing academic and extracurricular responsibilities. Gatherings like this iftar can help build a sense of belonging. Apart from being a mouth-watering meal, the Iftar exemplified the values of Ramadan: unity, progress and gratitude. It welcomed both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, offering an opportunity for deep connection. As students drifted home after the exciting sparkler send-off, they left with not only full stomachs but a renewed sense of community and purpose, embodying the true spirit of Ramadan.