As the sun set on March 12, students gathered in the open commons to break their fast. The Muslim Student Association (MSA) had invited all students to participate in a day of fasting in observance of Ramadan. At 7:15 p.m., the day came to an end and the community came together for Iftar, the evening meal that marks the breaking of the fast.

“Ramadan is a month of fasting, it’s from sunrise to sunset, you can’t drink water, you can’t eat, but after sunset you can eat and you can drink however much you want, it’s just a way to cleanse your body and self control,” Sana Rahimi, 11 said.

The Muslim Student Association is new this year. The sponsor, Somia Rashid, recognizes how important it is to educate others on the importance of cultures. 

“As the MSA sponsor, I think it’s my responsibility to support events like this to build community, which I think is the main goal,” Rashid said. “Organizing this event is to provide space, not just for the Muslim students, but students from all faiths, in order to build community and also to educate others on the importance of Ramadan.  Again, the main goal is to build a community in this school, by inviting Muslim and non-Muslim students to get together, and just to foster understanding.”

Ramadan is more than just a month, and events like this help bring students together. With the help of all Midlo students, the MSA is building a community for not just Muslims, but everyone.