As the sun sets, Muslim students across campus make their way to the Hughes-Trigg Student Center to break their fast. After a long day of classes, club meetings and prayer, the evening iftar marks the end of another day of fasting during Ramadan.
For most SMU students, eating dinner is a routine part of their day. But for Muslim students, it’s a celebration. They are finally able to indulge after going hours without food or water.
Ramadan, celebrated this year from Feb. 17 through March 19, is a time meant for self-improvement and renewal. It is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer and reflection. From sunrise to sunset, participants abstain from eating or drinking, which can be a difficult feat for students balancing classes and activities.
For students at SMU honoring Ramadan, the day begins before dawn with a meal known as suhoor, which helps sustain them through a full day of school. For SMU senior Zareenah Murad, that early meal often depends on how much time she has before the day begins.
“Depending on how early I can get up, I actually eat something, while other times, it’s just a quick sip of water,” Murad said. “Or sometimes, it’s just an energy drink when I’m really in the trenches.”
As a computer science and data science major with a minor in religious studies, Murad often has a full day ahead of her after suhoor. She said the sleep schedule can sometimes be harder to manage than hunger or thirst.
“Our five daily prayers really help get me through,” Murad said. “It’s a good reset, and Ramadan is a time to engage with the Quran more.”
Murad said the spiritual routines of Ramadan help students stay grounded during the long days of fasting.
On top of the routines, the support and community available to students through the university and the Muslim Student Association, or MSA, play an important role in helping them stay balanced and on track.
SMU junior Mehreen Syed said she has felt supported by her professors. She said they have given her extra time to complete assignments because of the time commitment involved with prayer and community events.
“I’ve had really positive experiences sharing Ramadan with my professors and having them be really understanding and supportive of it,” Syed said. “I had a professor who once gave me an extension until after Ramadan was over.”
Outside the classroom, the MSA works to create a sense of community for students throughout the month.
Bilal Sert, Ph.D., the faculty advisor for the MSA, said it is the most important resource available to Muslim students during the month.
“For many students who are far from their families, communal iftars recreate a sense of home and belonging,” Sert said. “Sharing the meal that breaks the fast provides not only nourishment but also emotional and spiritual support within the campus community.”
These shared moments of meals and prayer between students can shape a month that is often mentally and physically demanding into something that is spiritually fulfilling.
“I think the feeling of community really gets strengthened during this month,” Murad said. “That’s something I really look forward to, and I’m definitely gonna miss once I graduate.”
