Saturday, March 1, marked the beginning of a deeply significant time for Muslims around the world: the start of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. However, at Augustana College, it can be a difficult experience for Muslim students who strive to maintain their religious practices while navigating the complex system.
One of the main challenges Muslim students face is the timing of the dining hall schedule. For those who fast, the day starts at sunset and ends at dawn. Nevertheless, the dining hall closes its services for dinner before the call to prayer, making it difficult for students to break their fast on time. This situation forces Muslim students to turn to other alternatives including getting to-go boxes, cooking by themselves in their rooms or ordering from Halal restaurants.
Furthermore, Halal options are not always available in the dining hall. Students therefore feel frustrated and marginalized because their dietary needs are not usually met, which deeply affects their Ramadan experience.
Religious accommodations are very hard to get at Augustana College. While there are policies meant to support students’ religious observances, the college does not always offer the flexibility needed to accommodate fasting students’ needs.
Sophomore Aya Cherkaoui has tried asking professors for accommodations for class absences during Ramadan.
“Some professors understood, others didn’t,” Cherkaoui said. “There is truly a disconnect between the support we need and the support we are truly getting.”
Aside from the logistical struggles, the physical and emotional toll of fasting cannot be overlooked. The long days without food and water, combined with late-night studies and extracurricular activities leave students tired and unable to focus as fasting can be so draining to the body and the brain.
“I postpone everything for after dinner and end up staying up all night until Suhor, which ruins my sleeping schedule,” First-Year Imane Mansouri said. “I also feel so overwhelmed and frustrated, as this is my first Ramadan away from my family.”
Despite those challenges, Muslim students at Augustana are not without support. The Muslim Student Association (MSA) has worked tirelessly to create spaces for prayer, advocate for students’ religious needs and offer a sense of community during Ramadan. Their efforts have made a big difference for many students.
Moreover, the Global Engagement Team (GET) has played a significant role in providing Iftar meals and setting up Eid celebrations.
“Attending Iftar was a great way for me as a freshman to meet all the Muslim students on campus and feel that sense of community,” sophomore Fati Talibi said.
Ultimately, while navigating Ramadan at Augustana comes with its difficulties, the support of some organizations on campus helps Muslim students feel heard and valued. With their support, the hope is to make future Ramadans easier and more manageable for Muslim students.
