New Muslim Student Group Achieves Unique Distinction

The newly formed Salam Salus Muslim Student Association group had its first event April 30, and it came with some distinction — it was the first on-campus event held since the beginning of the pandemic.

Not only that, but the event attracted a special guest in University president Michael H. Mittelman, OD ‘80, MPH, MBA, FAAO, FACHE, who had the opportunity to address students face-to-face for only the second time since the pandemic shut all campus events down in March 2020.

“It was wonderful to be able to spend time together to learn more about Ramadan and share that experience, in-person, at a University-sponsored event, for the first time in over a year,” said Dr. Mittelman. “The more people that get vaccinated, the more events like this can happen on campus. It almost felt ‘normal!’”

The event attracted approximately 30 people — still masked and practicing social distancing — and included Muslims and non-Muslims, according to Sarah Bilal ‘23OD, president of the group.

During Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community which ends on May 13, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and the meal to break the fast at sunset is called “Iftar.” All those in attendance broke their fast at the same time during the gathering.

“I was really surprised at the support from non-Muslims who attended and from our professors,” said Amina Azam ‘23OD, vice president of the group. “It was really nice to see that other people care and support your culture. Everybody was really nice and asking about Ramadan and fasting. I think it was a good experience for everybody.”

In addition to Bilal and Azam, other officers in the organization include secretary Sidra Munawar ‘23OD and treasurer Maryam Ali ‘23OD. 

The group was started because students wanted an inclusive platform for Muslims and an increased awareness of the Muslim culture and traditions on campus. “We know that there is a good amount of Muslims at this school and there wasn’t really a way for all of us to connect,” said Bilal. “A lot of us went to undergrad at institutions that had a Muslim student association, and we thought why not form one here?”

There are some other holidays that the group will recognize in the coming weeks and months — Eid ul-Fitr that marks the end of Ramadan, and then Eid ul-Adha, which honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God’s command, at the end of July. 

The feedback from those attending was positive and the event marked a good start for the new student group.

“People were really happy that there was finally a Muslim club on campus,” said Bilal. “A lot of them offered to help and everyone was looking for a club like this to get involved with.”