Blog: Seventh annual Community Iftar on campus

written by Maame Yirrah

I always understood Iftar to be the meal that Muslims eat to break their fast during Ramadan. This understanding kept me from attending Iftar events as a non-Muslim. However, as my time at university quickly comes to an end, I have found myself saying ‘yes’ where I would normally say ‘no’. I am increasingly eager to experience and learn from diverse perspectives. When my friend Hanna told me that the Community Iftar at Aston Webb on campus was open to people of all faiths, I agreed! We hurried into the toilets in Aston Webb, wearing jumpers and jeans, and came out in Abayas and broad smiles. I was excited to exchange compliments with the group of girls who were also changing in the toilets. Even before the event began, I was beginning to realise that the significance of Iftar goes beyond simply breaking the fast. Iftar is about connecting. It’s about building community. 

The seventh annual Community Iftar began with an exhibition about the ‘Miracles of the Quran’. I spoke to several people about the significance of Ramadan, who noted that fasting for 30 days fosters spiritual connection and personal growth. Participants expressed feeling unstoppable. They shared that this period was particularly meaningful and motivated them to make extra effort to be forgiving and to connect with family and friends. I left the exhibition with a better understanding of Ramadan, the Quran’s history, and a determination to live with a focus on drawing closer to my friends, family, and loved ones.  

Due to its scale, I was surprised to learn that the Community Iftar was organised by students from the University’s Islamic Society. Several speakers were invited to speak after the exhibition closed at 5pm. They shared Quranic verses on the importance of forgiveness. I found a speech by a female speaker particularly compelling, as she emphasised the importance of defending one’s community. After the speeches ended, hundreds of students, families and teachers gathered in front of Old Joe to pray. This call to prayer signified the breaking of the day’s fast. United, everyone ate a date, some fruit, and drank water. The prayers commenced. I closed my eyes to listen. Reflecting on the day that had passed, I felt a warmth in my heart as I thought of the smiles I had shared with several participants. I felt the connection and value of community swell within me. I felt fortunate to be able to say ‘yes!’ to attending a Community Iftar on campus, which brought people from various cultures together in a warm embrace. 

After the call to prayer was finished, everyone headed into the Great Hall at Aston Webb to eat together. This was my favourite part! The menu was packed with delicious food, like rice and chicken or falafel. I enjoyed every bite of the meal and finished with my favourite side dish ever: a samosa! The Great Hall filled with laughter that shook the room.  

I am grateful to the Islamic Society, the University of Birmingham, and the Student EDI team for organising a Community Iftar on campus. It was truly special to share a meal with a room of hundreds. And I highly recommend it if you're thinking about attending the Community Iftar next year!