Celebrating Ramadan and Eid as a first-year international student at Allegheny College, located a staggering 8,000 miles away from my homeland in Asia, has been an illuminating journey, blending the sweetness of new experiences with the bitter pangs of homesickness. The transition from a bustling household, filled with the laughter and warmth of extended family, to a solitary existence on a campus in a foreign land, has compelled me to confront the stark realities of distance and cultural disparity. The customs I held dear — sharing meals, exchanging gifts and the collective joy of togetherness during the holy month — suddenly seemed like distant memories, making me question my decision to pursue education so far from home.
The absence of halal- or kosher-certified meat on campus compounded the challenges, particularly during Ramadan. The ritual of preparing suhoor in the dead of night, while juggling the demands of midterm exams, was a test of resilience. It underscored the logistical and emotional hurdles that accompany the observance of fasting far from the support systems we often take for granted.
However, amidst these trials, my role as the event coordinator of the Islamic Culture Association at Allegheny College offered a glimmer of hope and a sense of purpose. Collaborating with a dedicated team that included Hussain Minhas, ’24, Hanan Hamed, ’25, and Shafia Bhatti, ’25, we embarked on a mission to recreate a semblance of home for our Muslim brothers and sisters on campus. With the invaluable support of the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, we managed to organize iftar gatherings three times a week. These gatherings transcended mere communal meals; they were a manifestation of our collective will to foster a sense of belonging and togetherness amidst the backdrop of isolation.
The campus community iftar, attended by around 200 individuals, was a testament to the spirit of inclusivity and harmony that my religion advocates. This event, coupled with the overflowing participation on the last day of Ramadan at the Prayer and Meditation House, evoked memories of “Chaand Raat” back home. The sight of people coming together, much like the gatherings where we apply henna and prepare for Eid, was a poignant reminder of what we had left behind, yet also a testament to the new bonds we were forming.
A particularly memorable trip to Erie Masjid on April 10 offered a much-needed connection to my roots. Encountering Bengali family friends and participating in my first Eid prayer in a mosque — a practice not common for women in my home country — was profoundly moving. The kindness of Assistant Professor of Arabic and Chair of International Studies Sami Alkyam and Associate Professor of Arabic Reem Hilal, as well as the presence of both international and non-Muslim students, further enhanced this experience. Their efforts to create an inclusive environment were crystallized in our celebratory breakfast at IHOP in Erie and a dessert-making event at their house, underscoring the beauty of shared moments and cultures.
As the moon heralded the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid, the joyous celebrations on campus were a vivid reminder of the beauty of shared humanity and the bonds forged in the crucible of shared experiences. The Eid-ul-Fitr celebration on April 17 was not just a day of feasting and joy but a culmination of a month’s journey of faith, perseverance and community building. It underscored the possibility of finding a sense of belonging and creating a family away from family, even in the most unlikely of places.The culmination of our Ramadan and Eid celebrations was the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration on campus on April 17. Surrounded by figures who had become my family away from family — including my professors, and friends — I was reminded of the special nature of our community at Allegheny College. This event chronicling our Ramadan and Eid experiences promises to be a beautiful testament to our resilience, adaptability, and the vibrancy of our collective spirit.
As I pen down these reflections, the memories of Ramadan and Eid at Allegheny College serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the strength that lies in diversity and inclusivity. Reflecting on these experiences, I find myself buoyed by a sense of optimism and determination. Despite the initial hurdles and the tangible absence of my family, the support and inclusivity I’ve found at Allegheny College have provided a new perspective on what it means to be far from home. As I look forward to the next three years, my hope is not only to fulfill my duties on the Islamic Culture Association board as a Muslim but to contribute as an inclusive member of the Allegheny College community. In doing so, I aim to bridge the gaps between diverse cultures and foster an environment where every student, regardless of their background, can find a home away from home.