The Muslim Affinity Group brought students, faculty, staff, and families together for an Iftar Night Celebration on campus. The event–which is hosted to honor and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan–has become an annual tradition at Beaver. This year, the event featured live music, a massive buffet of delicious food, a henna station, and various moments for community members to learn more about Ramadan and how to celebrate.
I hope attendees leave with a new understanding of the religion—something they hadn’t learned before. I also want them to simply enjoy the experience.
Muslim Affinity Group Leaders
Leaders of the Muslim Affinity Group– Gibran Ashai ’26, Zak Faris ’25, and Tareq Khreis ’25–started work on the event early on in the year, making preparations as early as the fall term. The group used past Iftar Nights as a starting point and found ways to refine the experience; “We looked at the event in prior years and found things we would like to improve,” Affinity Group captains share. “Hopefully [we can] keep growing and bettering Iftar Night.” One such update came in the form of a location change; by hosting the festivities in Bradley Hall, the group was able to expand all of their offerings and accommodate more attendees.
After an optional group prayer, attendees planning to break fast left Bradley Hall for a private prayer. The Muslim Affinity Group used speakers and video presentations to educate attendees on the purpose of fasting and Ramadan. After breaking fast and lining up for the buffet (featuring countless dishes created by Beaver community members), the event was in full swing.
My favorite part has been contributing to creating a Beaver event that has become a key part of the school year. It’s rewarding to challenge ourselves to refine and improve the event each year, striving to make it as meaningful and engaging as possible.
Muslim Affinity Group Leaders
When reflecting upon the experience of planning and hosting the event, Gibran, Zak, and Tareq made it a point to shout out those who helped make it all possible. “A special shout out to Harris Kader ’25, who despite not being an offical leader, took on a leadership role in organizing the event,” they mention. “We’re also grateful to Ms. Ibourk for overseeing the planning process.” Additionally, the group thanked Timmy Brown ’25 for his unwavering support for the event over the last few years.
By bringing the Beaver community together for an Iftar Night celebration, the Muslim Affinity Group has created an invaluable opportunity for students to share their culture and learn more about the traditions that are commonplace for their peers. The Affinity Group plans to continue hosting the event for as long as possible, continuously expanding and improving upon past iterations.
