Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the holiest periods in Islam. Observed by Muslims worldwide, it is a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, charity and spiritual renewal. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a central practice of the faith. Each day begins before sunrise with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor and ends at sunset with iftar, the meal that breaks the fast. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan emphasizes discipline, gratitude, generosity and strengthening one’s relationship with God.
At Christopher Newport University (CNU), members of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) are observing Ramadan while also working to educate the broader campus community about what the month truly represents.
In an interview with The Captain’s Log, MSA President Sariena Mahmoodi and Treasurer Shaheer Kamran spoke about their experiences observing Ramadan and navigating campus life as Muslim students.
For many outside the faith, Ramadan is often reduced to the idea of fasting from sunrise to sunset. However, Mahmoodi says that perception can be misleading.
“Some people view it as a really hard experience,” Mahmoodi said. “However, I’ve been doing it since I was nine years old, so it doesn’t feel as hard as people think. In addition, a lot of people are shocked about the restrictions.”
Kamran emphasized that Ramadan is deeply spiritual rather than burdensome.
“I view Ramadan as an experience to get closer to God and also take a season to appreciate the current blessings you have in life,” Kamran said. “Despite its restrictions, a lot of people don’t know that Ramadan is also something I view as an opportunity to donate to others who don’t have certain luxuries.”
Beyond fasting, Ramadan serves as a time of reflection, discipline and charity. Both leaders described it as a month that strengthens not only faith, but character.
Mahmoodi explained that Islam shapes her life in profound ways. “The Qur’an is the guideline for following life. When I view Islam, it isn’t just a religion. It’s a way of life,” she said. She noted that its teachings extend to everyday practices, including environmental preservation, hygiene and the way food is handled and consumed.
Kamran described a similar impact. “The faith of Islam impacts me in all the ways I walk through life. The way I act, treat people, and all of those actions bring me closer to God.”
While both students said they generally feel safe practicing their faith at CNU, they acknowledged areas for growth.
Mahmoodi highlighted the prayer room in the Trible Library as “a great asset” to Muslim students. However, she believes there is room to make campus more inclusive overall. Kamran pointed to specific challenges, particularly during Ramadan.
“Finding food last year at 5 a.m. for Ramadan was a challenging experience,” he said. He also noted the absence of a designated halal section in the dining hall, which makes it difficult for Muslim students to find permissible food options. Without clear labeling or a consistent halal offering, students often have to seek food off campus, increasing costs despite paying for an unlimited meal plan.
Both leaders emphasized that vegetarian options should be safe from meat or cross-contamination and expressed concern about maintaining high standards at stations like the Mongolian grill to avoid cross-contact. They also stressed the importance of proper cleanliness and maintenance of the prayer room, given that daily prayers require physical prostration during salah.
Recently, Auxiliary Services introduced a to-go box plan for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. Mahmoodi described the initiative as “a good start,” adding that “the consideration in the first place means a lot.” Kamran called it “an amazing step in theory,” noting that, if executed well, it could significantly support Muslim students during Ramadan. He suggested that color-coded labels identifying halal options in the dining hall would be a practical next step.
The MSA has also faced internal challenges, including recruitment and awareness. Mahmoodi shared that limited membership and budget constraints make it difficult to plan large-scale events or promote understanding of Islamic holy months. Kamran added that a key hurdle has been dispelling the idea that the MSA is exclusively for Muslim students.
“You don’t have to be Muslim or a follower of the Islamic faith to join the club,” Kamran said. “We try to have meetings where we teach principles of life and how to walk through it with morals.”
As Ramadan concludes each year, both students reflect on personal growth. Mahmoodi said she often misses the heightened sense of discipline and morning prayers, striving to incorporate those habits into daily life. Kamran views the month as a foundation for the rest of the year.
“This month isn’t just a temporary lock-in,” he said. “It’s a month that stabilizes the way you build discipline for the remaining months of the year.”
In their final message to campus, both leaders emphasized education and openness. They described Islam as a religion of peace and forgiveness and clarified that it does not permit forcing others to join the faith. Instead, they hope for greater understanding.
“If students here at CNU knew or had more prior knowledge about the religion, it could lead to more awareness for the accommodations that Muslim students need,” Kamran said.
Mahmoodi echoed that sense of belonging, encouraging all students to engage with the MSA. “This association is not just for Muslim students,” she said. “Having more members gives us a chance to connect with others and strive for a sense of belonging for all students here at CNU.”
As Ramadan continues, the Muslim Student Association’s message is clear: faith, reflection and community are not exclusive experiences, but opportunities for shared understanding across campus.
