Ramadan 2025 began on Feb. 28, based on the Islamic lunar cycle, and the Saudi Students Association (SSA) hosted a celebration to welcome the holy month of fasting.
On Mar. 7, the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms became a place of prayer, directed by Brother Edrees Alhawsawi, breaking the fast and sharing a meal with the Oakland community. Entire families, administrators and students gathered “at a challenging time, but the challenges we face make the gathering all the more important,” Interim Provost Kevin Corcoran said.
Commemorating the revelation of the Qur’an, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is a period of fasting from dusk to dawn as a means of drawing closer to God, the Islamic Network Group wrote in their website.
The event started with initial remarks by Corcoran, followed by the Maghrib Prayer, which begins at sunset and ends before nightfall — giving to the feast.
“I understand that among the reasons that I and many other non-Muslims are here this evening is because Ramadan also carries a tradition of welcoming friends and neighbors to community open houses and other events where fasts are broken,” Corcoran said.
Some people ease into the second meal of the day by eating dates with milk or coffee, Ahmed Alobaidan, SSA president, explained. After almost 13 hours of fasting during the last weeks of finals, many students have quick bites to maintain energy and avoid getting sick from a heavy meal.
Trays after trays of chicken, rice, kebabs and samosas flooded the room after payer. The Iftar menu was composed of dishes traditionally prepared to breakfast during Ramadan with halal meals that do not contain pork, alcohol or Islamic slaughtering rites.
“Ramadan for Muslim people, it’s not just about fasting or eating food, it’s about getting together and feeling others,” Alobaidan said. “To have some compassion for those who cannot afford having food all year round.”
Alobaidan championed the support OU provides to the Muslim community, like Chartwells waiving catering services to procure high quality halal meals and administrators like Glenn McIntosh attending the celebration.
“We appreciate all the resources Oakland has for Muslim people, including the reflection room downstairs,” Alobaidan said. “They also provide some halal food at the food court.”
After attendees finished their plates, a second prayer took place — the Isha Prayer — the fourth mandatory prayer of the day corresponding to the nighttime. A voluntary prayer, Taraweeh, also took place as part of the special Ramadan prayers.
Alobaidan celebrated the campus efforts to support students fasting over the 30-day period.
“During this time, some students may have a class, a lecture or a workshop so people help out those who are tired,” Alobaidan said. “Some professors cooperate and give students a break so they can bring some food to break their fast.”
As Ramadan highlights the strong community ties at OU, SSA prepares for the Eid al-Fitr celebration marking the end of Ramadan. With more welcoming weather, the student organization plans to host an outdoor event where families can enjoy meals and play at the foot of Elliott Tower.
“The goal is to have non-Muslim people come and experience what’s going on with our festivities,” Alobaidan said. “Here, as a higher education institution, we learn from each other, and we exchange experiences — that is really what Ramadan is about.”
