Ramadan

The month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is a time of fasting, spiritual reflection, community, and shared meals. During the season of Ramadan, which falls during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, many Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and then gather in mosques, homes, restaurants, parks, and elsewhere to break their fast each evening. Fasting includes no food and no water between dusk and dawn (roughly 5 am - 8 pm). These dinners - called Iftars - sometimes are small family affairs, while others are larger and more festive community gatherings. The Muslim community is as diverse as the foods and flavors served at these Iftars.

RAMADAN RESOURCES

Academic Accommodations

The Office of the Provost has outlined academic policies for Religious Observance including Ramadan. Students are encouraged to communicate as early as possible with their faculty. 

GW Dining & Faith Based Meal Plan Option

In observance of Ramadan, GW Dining will have both Suhoor and Iftar meals available.To-go Suhoor items will be available in District House Market, each to-go Suhoor bundle can be purchased with one meal swipe. Pick-up your Suhoor meal daily between 11 am - 9 pm to be consumed the following morning before sunrise. Each dining hall (Shenkman, Thurston, and Pelham Commons) will have a station dedicated specifically for Iftar.

New: Faith Based Meal Plan Option

For those not on a meal plan who would like access to Iftar and Suhoor at a discounted rate, GW Dining is excited to introduce Faith-Based Meal Plans. These plans are designed to support commuters and individuals not currently enrolled in a meal plan, ensuring they have access to dining options during the observance of religious holidays, such as Ramadan. For Ramadan, a 30 Block meal plan is available for students for $450. Note: This plan is only for use during the month of Ramadan and will expire after Ramadan concludes on March 30. Unused blocks do not carry over. With any questions, please email GW Dining or call 202-994-FOOD (3663), Monday to Friday from 8 am - 4 pm.   

Sign Up for the Faith Based Meal Plan

University Prayer Spaces

Prayer spaces are available across a wide variety of places on campus including:

• University Student Center:
  • 4th Floor | Daily | 7 am - 11:59 pm
  • 5th Floor MSSC:  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 am - 10 pm; Tuesday 9 am - 9pm; Friday 9 am - 5pm
• Mount Vernon Campus:
  • Academic Building, Room 107 (across from the staircase through the door that faces the soccer fields) | Daily | 6 am - 12 pm
• East Commons Neighborhood:
  • 4th Floor South Lounge of Thurston Hall (24 hour access)
• South Square Neighborhood:
  • Potomac Hall 112 Conference Room (24 hour access)

Dates & Reusable Water Bottles

The Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life (CISL) is a resource for all religious, secular and spiritual student organizations as well as for all students, faculty, & staff at GW. During Ramadan, the Center will have dates available for eating for those who are fasting. The Center will also provide reusable water bottles for those who are observing Ramadan. Both items will be available at the Center (University Student Center LL02).

For questions, please contact The Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life.

Community Iftars and Events

Many student organizations and clubs and/or departments may host special events during Ramadan, including community iftars. Contact the Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life to learn more. Community members may submit additional events here.

Hosting an event for Ramadan? Add it to the University Calendar or GW Engage and let us know so we can promote it!

SPOTLIGHT EVENT

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GW Interfaith Iftar

Thursday, March 27 | USC Grand Ballroom

This community iftar is hosted by the Division of Student Affairs in partnership with the Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life and others as we come together to celebrate community through an interfaith iftar.

Hosting an event for Ramadan?
Add it to the University Calendar or GW Engage and let us know so we can promote it!
 

DEFINITIONS & FAQS

Definitions

• Iftar: The meal to break the fast at sunset during Ramadan. It is typically enjoyed with family and friends and often begins with the eating of dates and drinking water, followed by a larger meal.
• Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal consumed before the fast begins at sunrise. It is typically a light, nutritious meal designed to sustain individuals through the day of fasting.
• Mosque (Arabic: Masjid): A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims. It is where Muslims gather for congregational prayers, particularly the Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer, and other religious activities. In addition to prayer, mosques often serve as community centers for educational programs, charity work, and social gatherings. The word masjid literally means "a place of prostration" in Arabic, reflecting the act of worship where Muslims physically bow and prostrate during prayer. Mosques can vary in size and architectural style but typically include features such as prayer halls, minarets, and a mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca for prayer).
• Mecca (Arabic: Makkah): A holy city in Saudi Arabia and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered the spiritual center of Islam, and it is the destination of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage that every Muslim who is able is required to perform at least once in their lifetime. Mecca is home to the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam, located within the Masjid al-Haram mosque. Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba, known as the Qibla, during daily prayers. The city holds immense religious significance and is a place of deep spiritual importance for Muslims worldwide.
• Eid al-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر): A major Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The name Eid al-Fitr translates to "Festival of Breaking the Fast," and it is a day of celebration, gratitude, and feasting after a month of fasting from dawn to dusk. Muslims around the world gather for special prayers at the mosque, often in large congregations, and give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity to help those in need. The holiday is also a time for families and communities to come together, enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and reflect on the spiritual growth achieved during Ramadan. It is one of the two major Islamic holidays, the other being Eid al-Adha.

Why are dates significant for Ramadan?

Dates are traditionally used to break the fast during Ramadan for a few reasons, both cultural and practical:

1. Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): It's believed that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to break his fast with dates, and this practice is followed by Muslims as a way to emulate his actions. This tradition is considered highly recommended and is mentioned in various Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet).
2. Nutritional Benefits: Dates are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium. These nutrients help quickly replenish energy after a day of fasting. The natural sugars provide a quick energy boost, while the fiber helps in digestion.
3. Easily Digestible: After fasting, the stomach needs food that’s easy to digest. Dates are gentle on the stomach and help prepare the digestive system for a larger meal after Iftar (the meal that breaks the fast).
4. Symbolic Meaning: Dates also hold cultural significance in many Muslim-majority countries, symbolizing hospitality and good health. Offering dates to others during Ramadan is seen as an act of kindness and generosity.

In summary, dates are used to break the fast due to their association with the Prophet's practice, their health benefits, and their easy digestibility.

The Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life (CISL), is a resource for all religious, secular and spiritual student organizations as well as for all students, faculty, & staff at GW. During Ramadan, the Center will have dates available for eating for those who are fasting. The Center will also provide reusable water bottles for those who are observing Ramadan. Both items will be available at the Center (University Student Center LL02).

For questions, please contact The Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life.

Why are reusable water bottles being encouraged for use during Ramadan?

Reusable water bottles offer several benefits for Muslims fasting during Ramadan, especially when it comes to hydration and sustainability. Here's why they can be particularly helpful:

1. Hydration Convenience: During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating or drinking. Having a reusable water bottle allows for easy access to water during the non-fasting hours, particularly during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast). It ensures that one can drink an adequate amount of water throughout the night and early morning to stay hydrated for the long hours of fasting.
2. Sustainability: Using a reusable water bottle is environmentally friendly, reducing the need for disposable plastic bottles. This aligns with the Islamic principle of taking care of the environment (as taught in the Qur'an and Hadith). By opting for reusable bottles, Muslims can minimize waste, making Ramadan practices more eco-conscious.
3. Cost-Effective: Reusable water bottles can be more economical in the long term. Instead of purchasing bottled water frequently, a reusable bottle can be refilled and used over and over again, helping to save money, especially during Ramadan when hydration becomes a priority.
4. Healthier Hydration: Many reusable bottles are made from safer materials like stainless steel or BPA-free plastics, which are often a healthier option compared to single-use plastic bottles that might contain harmful chemicals. This can encourage better hydration habits, ensuring that the water consumed is safe and free of potentially harmful substances.
5. Personalization: Reusable water bottles can be personalized or designed to reflect one’s faith, with features like Quranic verses, Islamic symbols, or names. This can be spiritually uplifting for the individual and add a sense of connection to their faith throughout the fasting period.
6. Reminders for Healthy Hydration: Some reusable bottles come with features like time markers, reminding users to drink water regularly. This can help Muslims stay hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor, as drinking enough water during the non-fasting hours is essential for maintaining energy levels during the fast.

Overall, reusable water bottles serve as a practical, sustainable, and health-conscious tool for Muslims during Ramadan, supporting their fast while promoting a positive environmental impact.

The Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life (CISL), is a resource for all religious, secular and spiritual student organizations as well as for all students, faculty, & staff at GW. During Ramadan, the Center will have dates available for eating for those who are fasting. The Center will also provide reusable water bottles for those who are observing Ramadan. Both items will be available at the Center (University Student Center LL02).

For questions, please contact The Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life.