GU-Q Brings Campus Community Together for Annual Iftar Celebration

As the sun set on 14 June, GU-Q students, faculty, staff and their families gathered to break the fast as part of the University’s traditional community iftar.

Iftar is the evening meal during the holy month of Ramadan, after observers have spent the sunlight hours fasting and dedicating their time to prayer, personal reflection and acts of charity. For Muslims, the month of Ramadan serves as a season of spiritual renewal and gratitude for the bounties bestowed upon all human beings. It is a month in which families become closer, communities strengthen their foundations and individuals reaffirm their spiritual roots.

GU-Q’s annual iftar allows friends, family and colleagues to share a meal together with non-fasting community members in the spirit of solidarity.

“Ramadan is an opportune time to bring our students, staff and the larger Georgetown family together,” said Mary Anne Mahin, chief human resources officer at GU-Q. “This is a sacred month for our Muslim colleagues and celebrating with them at the breaking of the fast allows us to show our respect for their religion and religious traditions as well strengthen our own community.”

This year’s dinner featured an array of popular Middle Eastern and traditional Arabic dishes, as well as a mix of favorite treats and desserts supplied by the University’s diverse campus community. From tabbouleh and Indian salads to Arabic sweets, South African desserts and gluten-free brownies, the fare echoed the international background of the attendees.

As Ramadan fell outside the University’s academic calendar this year, only one community iftar was held, instead of the usual weekly events. GU-Q also hosts an Alumni Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), which is open to all interested alumni in the Gulf region.