Reflections on Ramadan by MSA Executives
The video, shared by The Manitoban, gives us a glance of Ramadan, with the Muslim Students Association (MSA) executive team sharing their thoughts on its meaning and practices.
Ayesha Sultan, MSA president, explains that Ramadan is more than just fasting from food; it’s about discipline and strengthening one’s faith. Mahfuzul Haque talks about how fasting builds taqwa (God-consciousness) and gratitude.
Faisal Shamim Zahed adds that Ramadan is not just about avoiding food and drink, but also avoiding negative behavior like slander and fighting, and instead, staying mindful of God.
Ayesha also notes that Ramadan encourages people to be more aware of the hunger that some people are struggling with around the world and to use their time wisely. It’s a time to slow down and reflect on our purpose. The Quran was revealed during Ramadan, and fasting has been an essential practice since before Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Nabihah Ameena points out that Ramadan starts with the sighting of the new moon and ends with the next.
MSA’s Role in Building Community
The MSA, a student-run group, focuses on promoting the Quran, Sunnah, and Islamic teachings, while also working to build a sense of community and leadership. To support this, they organize Taraweeh prayers and Iftar meals every night, along with guest speakers and lectures.
Adil Hayat mentions that MSA serves up to 300 people each night with food, dates, and water, and during the last ten days of Ramadan, they also offer suhoor. This year, they’re hosting their first Eid ul-Fitr prayer on campus, a big milestone for the community.
Mahedi Hasan explains how important this is for international students. He says he himself misses his family, and the little joys of Ramadan such as praying in congregation with friends and family and opening his fast at home. MSA offers such people a place to feel at home and enjoy Iftar without having to worry about cooking. “Everyone at the university has the right to eat at MSA,” he says, adding that it’s open to all, not just Muslims.
Embracing Diversity and Overcoming Challenges
Bareera Kamran highlights the beauty of bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. MSA has members from all around the world, with diverse ethnicities and cultures.
The MSA’s biggest challenge is their limited space, which can only accommodate about 260 people. To handle this,Jummah prayers are held at three different times. Unfortunately, sometimes they have to turn people away due to capacity limits, but discussions are underway to find a bigger space.
Mahfuzul Haque also talks about the need for surveillance cameras and lockers to keep the facility and people’s belongings safe.
Events, Traditions, and Community Engagement
MSA has been around since the 1960s, providing support to students and the broader Muslim community in Manitoba. Till this day, it upholds traditions of events such as the annual conference and the Islamic Awareness Week.
MSA has 8 executives and each has 1–3 directors assigned to them that allows them to work towards the wonderful and fruitful events. This year, MSA has planned a range of Ramadan events like Qiyaam night, Henna night, and a Grand Iftar. The MSA is always hosting something to keep the community connected and happy on campus.
Support and Collaboration
Fundraising can be tough, but MSA has a system where people can donate, big or small, to help cover costs like the Iftars, the MPR space, and cleaning.
They’ve also worked with organizations like:
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MIA
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Islamic Relief
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REIA
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A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation
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Yafa Cafe
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C.B.A Manitoba
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Bengal Bites Bistro
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Healthy Muslim Families
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Ramallah Cafe
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Essentials Bazaar
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UMSU
The Heart of MSA: Its Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of MSA’s operations, making everything possible. For the executive team, MSA is more than just a group – it’s like home, a place to find peace, connection, and a sense of belonging.
And fun fact: Faisal Shamim Zahed even found his wife at MSA!
