Wednesday, Feb. 18 marks the first night of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
To commemorate the revelation of the Quran, Ramadan serves as a holy period of spiritual rejuvenation and gratitude to Allah, according to the Islamic Networks Group.
Salim Shamsu-Deen Mohammed, the president of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), shared information about Ramadan, his experience with the organization and resources provided to Muslim students during this time.
Ramadan’s observation worldwide offers many obligations.
“From dawn to sunset, Muslims fast, abstaining from food, drink, smoking and negative behaviors, focusing on self-discipline, gratitude and charity,” Mohammed explained.
As Muslim students fast, increase daily prayers, read the Quran and “engage in sadaqah (voluntary charity) and acts of kindness,” it is increasingly important for Bowling Green State University to provide resources.
One of the first places to look is the BGSU MSA itself.
“The BGSU Muslim Student Association is a non-profit student organization with a mission to address the religious, cultural and social needs of Muslim students of BGSU and build awareness and familiarity with Islam through positive interactions with the BGSU community,” Mohammed said, noting his responsibility as the liaison between the student association and the Toledo Muslim Community Center and the Islamic Center of Great Toledo in Perrysburg.
“The MSA prayer room is located on the 4th floor of the McCleod building, Room 445. In this prayer room, Muslims on campus observe the five daily Islamic prayers as well as the congregational prayers every Friday between 1:30 to 2:30 p.m,” Mohammed noted. “During the sacred month of Ramadan, we as well observe congregational voluntary prayers after our usual daily Maghrib and Isha prayers.”
Yet, accessible prayer spaces, with another located in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, are not the only resources available.
“The MSA prayer room has a collection of free translated Quran, Islamic books and other useful resources to understanding Islam. Also, during the month of Ramadan and other festive seasons like Eid al-Adha, MSA receives food donations from Islamic organizations…to share with needy Muslims on campus.” Mohammed reports that these food packages will likely be delivered next week.
MSA will also be organizing potlucks, hosting speakers, scholars and Quran recitations and celebrating the congregational fast-breaking (Iftar).
Continuing to uplift Muslim students at BGSU, Mohammed reminds, “BGSU MSA is open and welcoming to whoever is curious and wants to learn about Islam.”
Learn more about BGSU’s MSA on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgsu_msa?igsh=OTVuOGI5a2xuOThs
