Sheffield Hallam and University of Sheffield students put rivalries aside to break their fasts together in Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
The two universities decided to host free Iftar events together where people are given hot food to break their fast and come together as part of a wider community to celebrate the holy month.
Ruqayya Hussain, a Hallam committee member for the Islamic Society, said: “I think it’s so beautiful to have our two communities coming together, especially in this joyous month where Ramadan is about being together”
“With varsity coming up we always have a big rivalry but with our Iftars we put that aside and celebrate Ramadan.”
Iftar is what muslims refer to as the meal eaten after sunset when people break their fast.
Henna Asif, 20, a Primary Education Student at Hallam University, said: “I just moved to Sheffield this year and when I think of Ramadan I think of family but this (event) has made it easier because it gives you a sense of community and gives you a sense of home.”
The event was held in Hollis Croft and great effort was made to ensure it ran as smoothly as possible with even people outside of the committees joining in to set up decorations and serve food.
Nazia Nafis, 29, an international student from the University of Sheffield, said: “I am from India and from a state where we muslims are the minority and I have really missed this. But I didn’t realise it until I came here and saw this community. It’s an amazing experience which I have never felt before.”
The organisers of the event aim to reduce plastic waste and asked for everyone to bring their own tupperware especially as it is Ramadan. They believe everyone should think of protecting the planet and make the extra effort this month.
Ruqayya Hussain from Hallam University, said: “It’s in our religion to give away food and we get rewarded for helping and feeding others. Everyone is here for one reason and it’s not just to fill our stomachs but to be united with sisterhood.”
