Merle-Smith Campus Muslim Student Association Hosts Iftar Dinner

On February 19, the Merle-Smith Campus Muslim Student Association (MSA) organized a student-led Iftar dinner, inviting the campus community to observe the start of Ramadan. Students, faculty, and families gathered to break the fast at sundown, sharing a meal that concluded one of the first days of the holy month.

The evening was organized by Daaniyah Anas ’26 and Asude Aslan ’27, co-presidents of the Muslim Student Association. At sunset, attendees broke their fast with water and dates before sharing prayer and a halal meal of chicken, lamb, rice, and salad.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and intimacy. The month centers on spiritual discipline and prayer alongside the responsibilities of daily life.

For Asude, the practice of fasting increases awareness of daily routines while encouraging self-reflection. She noted that the observance provides a deeper sense of grounding in her faith.

In addition to hosting the Iftar dinner, Muslim students also participated in a Chapel service to share more about the meaning of Ramadan with the school community.

In the Muslim Student Association, all students are welcomed. Nearly half of its 20 members are non-Muslim students who join their peers not just to learn, but to stand in community together, a testament to the inclusive spirit and open hearts that define our student body.

The evening was also featured in The Morning Call.
Read the full article here: https://www.mcall.com/2026/03/04/a-month-of-patience-and-perseverance-lehigh-valley-muslim-students-share-their-faith-during-ramadan/?share=tala2rmadsemmtcasrah