The Muslim month of Ramadan began on August 11. It will continue until September 10, when the university will recognize the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. Classes are cancelled that day. For Muslims, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year in which they demonstrate extensive devotion and worship. It is, therefore, important for us to be mindful and better understanding of Muslim practices during Ramadan and how can we be sensitive and respectful during their time of worship.

According to Islam, every healthy and non-travelling adult Muslim, male and female are required to abstain from food, drink and sensual pleasure every day during the month of Ramadan from the time of dawn till sunset. Muslims during the month of Ramadan are also expected to display physical and moral endurance in a higher level than normal days. Water, coffee, tea and other drinks are also forbidden for fasting persons. After sundown the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. The fast is resumed at dawn the next morning.

Due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar which is determined by the moon’s sighting, the month of Ramadan rotates around the year. Ramadan this year falls in the summer days of August and September. Since the days are long, hot and humid during orientation and move-in, each of us should be diligent in supporting our new and returning Muslim students and their families. Since they will be fasting during the daylight hours, we should be observant and offer assistance especially to this faith community as they observe their fast. Be on the lookout for individuals who may be exhausted due to the fast and heat. Our university food service staff members have been alerted to Ramadan and are prepared to accommodate Muslim students during this month of fasting. Shaw Dining Hall, located at 775 Comstock Avenue, will reopen at 7:45 p.m. each day, serving Halal food, during Ramadan for one hour. (Including weekends) The Ernie Davis Dining Hall is also open until 9:00 p.m. but will not be serving Halal food. Both may be options for students.

Please remember that Hendricks Chapel has a Muslim Prayer Room and the chapel restrooms are equipped with wudu stations for the ritual washing and ablution for prayer. Both the prayer room and restrooms are located on the ground level (between the basement and chapel levels). Also within walking distance of north campus is the Islamic Society of Central New York which is located at 925 Comstock Avenue.

For guidance, religious questions, and information regarding iftars, Muslim students can contact our Muslim chaplain at Syracuse University, Imam Dr. Ahmed Kobeisy at akobeisy@syr.edu or by calling 315-491-3050 (cell) or 315- 443-5521 (office).

Sincerely,

Tiffany Steinwert
Dean, Hendricks Chapel

Patricia Burak
Director, Slutzker Center for International Services

Ahmed Kobeisy
Muslim Chaplain, Hendricks Chapel

Greg Victory
Director, Office of First Year and Transfer Programs

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