The bustling hallways and the fervent scribbling of notes form the backdrop to countless narratives, finding a sense of belonging and support can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This is especially true for those who identify as Muslims in America. Recently, however, a few students have come together and founded the Muslim Student Association (MSA) at SUNY Poly. The MSA stands as a beacon of community and solidarity, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan. Within the evergrowing web of academia, the MSA serves as an oasis of fellowship, where students of the Muslim faith can come together to find solace, share experiences, and offer support to one another.
What truly sets the MSA apart is its unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Recognizing the diverse needs of its members, the association has gone above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued and heard. But perhaps most commendable is the MSA’s collaboration with other student organizations and campus departments to ensure an inclusive and respectful observance of Ramadan. Partnering with Aramark, the MSA has facilitated the provision of nightly dinners and a selection of breakfast foods for students observing Ramadan. From hearty dinners to an assortment of breakfast staples, these offerings serve as a tangible expression of the university’s commitment to supporting its Muslim students. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world embark on a profound spiritual journey that transcends mere abstention from food and drink. Central to the observance of Ramadan is fasting, a practice that extends far beyond the physical act of abstaining from food and drink. From the break of dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain not only from consuming food and drink but may also abstain from additional worldly desires such as smoking or listening to music. Through fasting, Muslims cultivate a heightened sense of empathy and compassion, reflecting on the plight of those who struggle. This empathy, in turn, fuels a spirit of generosity and charity, as Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need, both within their communities and beyond.
Ramadan is not merely a physical exercise in self-restraint, but a spiritual endeavor that encompasses a wide array of practices aimed at deepening one’s connection with Allah. Throughout the month, Muslims engage in increased devotion, dedicating more time to prayer, Quranic recitation, and acts of worship. Special night prayers called Taraweeh are held in mosques, where congregants gather to recite portions of the Quran and seek spiritual solace in extended worship.
Beyond fasting and increased devotion, Ramadan is marked by a myriad of rituals and communal gatherings that foster a sense of unity and togetherness within the Muslim community. Families and friends come together for nightly Iftar meals, where they break their fast together and share in the blessings of the month. In the morning, families and friends will come together for Suhur for feasting and celebration to strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of camaraderie.
To support the prayer aspect of Ramadan, SUNY POLY provides a Prayer Room that is always accessible to all students. The prayer room is located on the second floor of the Student Center, tucked away just down the hall from the Theater Room. Additionally, the Student Center serves as the pickup spot for the nightly Iftar and Suhur bags. There is also a support system in place at the Campus Center for the month of Ramadan – convenient to-go containers available for Muslim students upon request.
Aramark is also making an effort to not only accommodate students celebrating Ramadan but also to show an appreciation for the culture. FoodLab, one of the retail fronts in the Student Center, is set to showcase a family recipe provided by the members of MSA. These recipes feature the richness and diversity of Halal cuisine, inviting students of all backgrounds to partake in the culinary delights of Ramadan. With each initiative, the university sends a powerful message: you belong here, and your faith is not just accepted but embraced.
While the university’s efforts to accommodate Muslim students during Ramadan are commendable, recent shortcomings in the food bags provided have highlighted areas for improvement. Despite students being allowed to submit allergies and dietary restrictions, the initial distribution of food bags encountered significant issues. On the first night, several students received Lucky Charms cereal, which contains marshmallows made from gelatin derived from beef, rendering it non-halal for Muslim consumption. Similarly, on the second night, a student received a bag containing an apple and a granola bar with almonds, both of which they had specified allergies to. Apologies were issued by the head of Aramark and the head chef, with the promise that such mishaps will not be repeated in the future. As we move forward, the university and Aramark must continue to work together to provide inclusive and culturally sensitive support to all students during Ramadan.
The university’s commitment to supporting Muslim students extends far beyond mere accommodation. It’s about creating an environment where students feel empowered to thrive academically while honoring their spiritual commitments; the balancing act between academic and religious responsibilities is not easy. Dr. Carlie Phipps, the Dean of Arts & Sciences, serves as a beacon of hope for Muslim students navigating the complexities of academic life during this holy month. She has made an effort to support her students during the holiday by addressing leniency with her co-workers and actively communicating with students who may seem tired during the month. The support of individual faculty members, like Dr. Phipps, underscores the university’s commitment to fostering an environment for all students to succeed.
In addition to providing essential resources and support systems, our university recognizes the importance of celebrating and respecting the cultural and religious diversity of its student body. From exhilarating dodgeball tournaments to joyous Eid events, our university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus and celebrating the culmination of Ramadan knows no bounds. As students come together to participate in these inclusive events, they forge bonds of friendship and solidarity that transcend cultural and religious differences.