Ramadan at Georgetown Qatar: A Month of Lights, Iftars, and Unmatched Vibes

By Radiyah Ahmed (SFS’28).

Experiencing Ramadan as a Desert Hoya is something I’ll never stop being in awe of. The moment the month arrived at GU-Q, I felt the shift in the air- literally and spiritually. One day, it was just a regular university with everyone speed-walking to class, and the next, BOOM. Fairy lights, lanterns, and a magical transformation that didn’t just acknowledge Ramadan; but embraced it. 

The entire environment shifted, from class schedules adjusting to match fasting hours to the stunning decor that made hallways feel like scenes from One Thousand and One Nights. Even if you walked in without a clue that it was Ramadan, you’d figure it out in five minutes, especially when the Adhan (call to prayer) echoed from the mosque next door, or when a giant cannon (on TV, don’t worry) signaled that it was time to break the fast.

One of the best parts? The legendary community iftars. Every other day, we all gathered- students, professors, even the Dean, to break fast together. There’s something so special about sharing plates of food, and laughing with people who were just grilling you about a paper deadline two hours earlier. Professors and student clubs took us out for iftar, which lead to my personal theory that the best academic bonding happens when you’re reaching for the last samboosa. Even students who weren’t fasting had a cozy little setup where they could eat together without feeling awkward. And honestly, it’s these little thoughtful things that make our campus feel like one big family.

Ramadan here was more than just the food though. It was about spirituality, kindness, and that warm, fuzzy sense of community. Our Muslim Student Association (MSA) kept the vibes alive with games, awareness campaigns, and brochures that taught people more about Islam and Ramadan in Qatar. 

Every evening, many of us headed to the mosque for Taraweeh prayers, and afterwards, we joined the halaqas– deep, soul-refreshing conversations that always left me with something to reflect on. And for those of us wanting to really disconnect from the daily hustle, there was the Itikaf program, where we could spend nights in the mosque in worship and reflection. 

But at GU-Q, it’s not just students who were part of this. Our alumni are invited every year for iftar and suhoor, reminding everyone that once you’re a Hoya, you’re always a Hoya. Whether you graduated last year or ten years ago, we will always have a place for you. Between the endless iftars, spiritual moments, and late-night suhoor meetups, Ramadan was a month where the campus didn’t just feel like a university, it felt like home. 

So if you ever find yourself here during Ramadan, just follow the lights, the laughter, and the scent of freshly made samboosas. You’ll fit right in.

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