“It’s a little bit tricky as an international student,” said Nazeemah Noorally.

Nazeemah Noorally, a third-year international student in business administration, finds comfort during Ramadan, a religious fasting period, through events organized by the University of Regina’s Muslim Student association (URMSA).

“Back home, Ramadan meant the community coming together to break their fast together and share a meal,” said Noorally.

“It is a little bit tricky and difficult to maintain the connection with other community members especially if one is an international student who is on their own to study here.”

Muslims believe the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Mohammad in Ramadan. They fast for 30 days, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset, pray five times a day with an extra nightly prayer called “Taraweeh” and give out charity during Ramadan. Concluding the month they celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

Noorally tries to stay connected to her roots through chatting with her family on video calls while cooking her traditional food. However, time difference makes that difficult which makes her feel isolated during Ramadan.

In the midst of her homesickness Noorally has found some relief connecting with others through URMSA.

“URMSA supports the Muslim community as we come together to share meals, pray and support one another during Ramadan,” said Noorally. “These gatherings have helped me feel more connected to my culture and traditions, even when I’m far from home.”

During this month URMSA, whose mission is to support and empower Muslim students on campus, is making various arrangements for fasting students on-campus.

“We’re hosting multiple Iftar (meal eaten after sunset to break fast) events, providing students with the opportunity to break their fast together on campus,” said Maliha Khan who is a co-lead at URMSA. “Organizing Taraweeh prayers for those living on campus or attending evening classes and introducing Suhoor (meal eaten before dawn) nights.”

According to Khan these events are organized especially for international Muslim students giving them an opportunity to connect, foster a sense of community and help overcome loneliness.

URMSA also has partnerships with several local mosques and non-profit Muslim organizations which provide free meals and host Islamic events throughout Ramadan along with other spiritual, personal and professional opportunities.

“These organizations provide valuable opportunities such as scholarships, volunteer programs, certificates of appreciation, faith-building activities, Qu’ran classes, mentorship, skill development workshops, mental health counselling and social gatherings,” said Khan.

Muslims pray a special namaz (prayer) early morning on the day of Eid. URMSA also arranges accommodations for praying students.

“Last year, we also provided bus services for students to attend the Eid prayers and hope to do the same this year,” said Khan.

UofR is also taking an initiative to help students during Ramadan as lazy owl is providing affordable Iftar boxes for international students as well as for students who have evening classes.

According to Khan educating people on Ramadan is vital too.

“Promoting awareness among faculty and staff about Ramadan could lead to a more understanding and inclusive environment for Muslim students,” said Khan.

Noorally wants university to take more initiatives to support Muslim students during Ramadan.

“While the university supports Muslim students on campus, more arrangements can be made to accommodate the growing Muslim community,” said Noorally.