Sofia Oganezova
Staff Writer
The Muslim Student Association at WCC is working to build community on campus by bringing students together through faith, shared experiences and education.
One of the club’s recent efforts – Ramadan Annual Iftar – drew both Muslim and non-Muslim students to learn about the holy month and connect with one another. But for MSA leaders, the event reflects a broader mission that extends beyond a single night.
“The mission is to bring the Muslim community together,” said Hamza Alzawawi, co-president of the Muslim Student Association at WCC. “Some people might come here and not know there are others practicing the same religion, so we introduce them to each other and help people feel more comfortable with their religion.”
The organization hosts events throughout the year centered on Islamic holidays and community-building, while also collaborating with other groups on campus.
“We host events based on our religious holidays, and we’ve collaborated with other clubs to teach each other about our religions,” Alzawawi said.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset and focus on prayer, reflection and charity. At the Iftar event, guest speaker Mohammad Turaani spoke about the deeper meaning behind the month.
“Ramadan is meaningful because it is the month in which our Book of Guidance was revealed,” Turaani said. “It tells us right from wrong and what pleases God.”
He emphasized that Ramadan is also a time for compassion and generosity.
“It’s a time to build God consciousness, to get closer to God and to sympathize with the poor and needy,” Turaani said. “It’s a month of giving and charity.”
The event also highlighted Laylatul Qadr, a significant night during the final days of Ramadan.
“Laylatul Qadr is an extremely powerful night,” Turaani said. “The Quran says it is worth more than 1,000 months, so it’s a time to reflect and try to get closer to God.”
For student leaders like Umar Muhammad, co-president of the MSA, the meaning of Ramadan is also deeply personal.
“To me, Ramadan is about discipline and humility,” Muhammad said. “It’s like training for the rest of the year.”
Muhammad said the experience goes beyond fasting and becomes a time for self-improvement.
“It’s more about discipline and just getting better and reorienting yourself,” Muhammad said.
As co-president, Muhammad said the MSA plays a key role in supporting students observing Ramadan while balancing school and daily responsibilities.
“It gives Muslim students a chance to get together and approach their faith on campus, which they might not be able to do otherwise,” Muhammad said.
Balancing fasting with academics can be challenging, he added, but it is part of the experience.
“It’s really hard, but it’s good practice,” Muhammad said.
In addition to supporting Muslim students, the organization aims to educate the broader campus community and challenge misconceptions about Ramadan.
“For a lot of people, Ramadan is a foreign concept,” Alzawawi said. “It’s good to understand what some of their classmates might be going through.”
Alzawawi added that many people misunderstand fasting.
“Some people think it’s something we struggle with and dread, but it’s something we enjoy,” Alzawawi said.
Students who attended the event said it helped create both understanding and connection.
“Ramadan is a month to get closer to Allah and to feel grateful for what you’re given,” said Israa Abella, a WCC student. “It’s a time to reflect on your life and try to do better.”
Abella added that MSA events help foster a sense of belonging.
“The Iftars have a really nice atmosphere,” Abella said. “It feels like a community and it’s fun being there with friends.”
The event also drew students from outside the Muslim community who were interested in learning more.
“I just came because I thought it would be interesting,” said WCC student Jeison Luna. “Learning about Ramadan practices made me want to study it more.”
Through events like this, the Muslim Student Association continues to create a space where students can connect, learn from one another and build a stronger sense of community across campus.
