On Feb. 27, the Delta College Muslim Student Association (MSA) held an event to help prepare students for the start of Ramadan, which this year fell on Feb. 28.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which according to the Quran is a time that is prescribed to be for fasting.
Traditional observance of Ramadan involves fasting from dawn until dusk, this fast even includes drinking water. While this is difficult enough on its own, combined with the daily stresses of student life, it can feel almost insurmountable.
“I was very pleased with the turnout of this event,” said MSA president Habiba Afridi. “We managed to help a lot of students”
The event, which Afridia said was planned as a way to help students develop their schedules around Ramadan, featured several activities, including a Ramadan goal board, Henna station and raffle giveaway. The event also featured a guest speaker, Francisco Nava, a Delta college alumni.
“It was more than an honor to accept this invitation by the board to speak amongst other Muslims here at Delta College” said Nava, who speaks at several events teaching islam in Spanish.
Nava gave insights on how to balance one’s religious duties with the demands of everyday college life.
“Prepare yourself… Let your professor know that ‘OK, I’m fasting.’ Maybe you can get tests ahead of time or take it later,” Nava said. “Make your schedule around your worship, your faith, as our faith is really important.”
Under California Education Code, students may be allowed to take tests at a later date to better accommodate their religious needs.
The full recording of Nava’s lecture can be found on the MSA instagram, @msa.sjdc.
This event paired with the Halal-grams from early February represent a change in MSA’s approach to student outreach.
“We are more active on campus now, it’s more diverse, we have members of all races,” said Afridi. “It’s like a family.”
