Ramadan is an important time for many IU Muslim students. But celebrating Ramadan on campus is different than with family and friends.
Ramadan is a holiday in Islam and it is celebrated by almost 1.9 billion Muslims. It is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting from sunrise to sunset. After the sunset prayer, Muslims gather in their homes or at the mosque to break their fast with a meal called ifṭār which is often shared with friends and others.
Celebrating a holiday away from family is a completely different feeling says IU senior, Aissatou Diallo.
For Diallo, it has been difficult to manage her school life with Ramadan throughout college. She would always have to either eat out or make basic food because of the limited time she had to cook.
“I would have to wake up at 4am and then go to school and its very rough,” said Diallo. It’s definitely hard being away from family but this mosque is really welcoming, however I don’t really know anyone.”
Aissatou Diallo speaks about her experience at Iu during Ramadan.
Many Muslim students go to the Islamic Center of Bloomington. It is known as a place to manage the affairs of the Muslim community of Bloomington and the mosque so that Muslims can learn and practice their religion in the best possible way. It is also a place to promote friendly relations and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in the most appropriate way.
Rachel Tagoulla is a student at IU who found a sense of community at the Islamic Center of Bloomington. She said she hopes that Muslim students who are far from their homes do not feel isolated.
Open yourself to a different way of experiencing Ramadan and see how heart-opening it is,” Taogulla said. “Don’t isolate yourself because there are so many other people like the Muslim student association and other Muslim groups.”
When Diallo first moved here, she felt a sense of isolation because she was always with her family during Ramadan.
“Just eating Iftar with my family is something I really miss,” said Diallo.
Rachel talks about the last ten days of Ramadan.
Eid Al-Fitr was celebrated at the Indiana Memorial Union in the Alumni Hall and Solarium Friday, April 21st. Many Muslims were able to attend and celebrate a beautiful day.
On Sunday there will also be a picnic and elections at the Islamic Center of Bloomington starting at 4pm.
