The MSA held a community iftar (meal to break fast) at the Muslim Community Center of Greater San Diego, where Muslim students at Poway Unified schools broke their fast and prayed together, highlighting the friendships and bonds built amongst Muslim youth during Ramadan, March 6.
“I think that Ramadan is a time to build community and reconnect yourself with God [and] just spend more of your efforts on building this connection which makes it [an] overall and more beneficial and spiritual time,” MSA President Noora Al-Aqrabi (11) said. “As an MSA we try to do more this month, regarding events, to build a safe space and community for the Muslims at Westview.”
According to Lausanne Abu Ayyash (9), Ramadan often creates opportunities for strengthening personal faith and connections within the Muslim community.
“Ramadan makes you also reflect more about how much effort you’re putting into [your faith,” Abu Ayyash said. “It’s not just about fasting; it’s more about building the connection in both the [Muslim] community and with Allah, and also about telling other people about Ramadan and what it means to us Muslims.”
Abu Ayyash said the MSA is not just a club but a place where one can find support, prayer space, and a sense of belonging.
“I think having a room to just pray in [and] come together even though we don’t all come at the same time really creates a safe space,” Abu Ayyash said. “[Students] could always talk to us if they need anything; we’re definitely a secure outlet to talk to and just be comfortable with.”
For Al-Aqrabi, sharing iftar with other Muslim students allows many to experience the sense of family and connection beyond blood-relation, as gathering provides a feeling of belonging.
“Doing this community iftar is just such a good way to get all the youth together because we all have something in common, and are getting through this month together, so just having everyone share food is such a special thing, Al-Aqrabi said. “Breaking your fast with all these people that are your age when you would normally be with family is something different, and just getting to meet new people and talking to everyone is also important,” Al-Aqrabi said.
Al-Aqrabi said that organizing Ramadan events has become a way to turn long-held ideas into opportunities for connection and awareness on campus.
“The most meaningful part of being president of the MSA has definitely been using all my ideas that I’ve had over the years and making them into actual real events, like the community iftar, and just making sure that we bring light into Ramadan,” she said. “We’re really doing events catered towards Ramadan, like giving out Ramadan goodie bags to the teachers.”
Part of the MSA’s outreach during Ramadan involves curating opportunities for teachers to learn more about the month, highlighting Ramadan’s notion of connectivity, unity, and understanding.
“I think it’s very important for teachers to be aware of what’s happening, but they sometimes may feel scared to ask, or not know what to ask, and I think it’s making sure that they know what’s going on,” Al-Aqrabi said. “I went and I talked to all of them when I gave them the bags, and it was definitely super special to make that one-on-one connection with them.”
The MSA aims to create a space where Muslim students can strengthen their faith and build a community.
“We really focus on the core values of Islam and making sure that we implement it inside of school environments for a feeling of community, and just a sense of identity for students at Westview,” Abu Ayyash said.
While the association centers on Muslim identity and beliefs, Al-Aqrabi said the club encourages students of all backgrounds to attend events like the community iftar and learn about Ramadan.
“We are open to everyone, not just Muslims,” Al-Aqrabi said. “I have friends who are interested, and I talk to them about it. We’re not secluded, you just come talk to us, and even events like this community iftar, anyone can come. It is really just a place to learn and connect with others, especially in a month as important to Muslims as Ramadan. It’s just a really good time to meet new people and enrich yourself in different cultures.”
