Monday 14-05-2018 - 10:19

On Friday 1 June, The Union will host the first Manchester Met Iftar.

Organised by our Diversity and Inclusion Ambassadors, an Iftar is a religious observance where people gather to break fast during Ramadan, with students and staff of all faiths from MMU invited to attend. Two of the ambassadors, Iffath (second year Business and Psychology) and Halima (second year Psychology) chatted with us about the upcoming event.

 

Tell us a little about what an Iftar is and why you wanted to hold one at The Union.

Halima: “Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, where Muslims all around the world fast from sunrise and sunset. An Iftar is when you break your fast and performing it is a blessing as Ramadan teaches us to be patient, piety and grateful. Muslims strive to take advantage of the opportunity Ramadan brings. ”

Iffath “As part of the Diversity and Inclusion Student Ambassador Project, we are running different kinds of events to promote diversity and inclusion within the University, including things like activities in the prayer hall, Black History Month, and we have some activities for students studying for BTEC qualifications. We just thought we have had Christmas parties in the past, and things to do with Easter, but we haven’t done anything Ramadan related. We thought it would be a good idea to meet and network with Muslim students, as well as students of different faiths. We thought it would be a nice way to bring students together.”

 

What do you hope students get out of the event?

Halima: “If we split it into two, students from a Muslim background – we want them to have a sense of belonging at The Union, and for them to feel included. For non-Muslim students, we want them to come and understand why we fast. They can try the experience too, so if they have wanted to try and fast but perhaps haven't had anyone to break their fast with. If anyone wants to have a go, this is the perfect chance.”

Iffath: “They can get an insight into something that is a big part of our life and happens every year. We thought it would be nice for us all to get involved in it.”

 

Find out more about the Iftar and book your free ticket.

Check out the Diversity and Inclusion webpage to find out more about the project and keep up to date with future events and focus groups.