A message to our community on the eve of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims. This year Ramadan begins the evening of April 23 and ends the evening of May 23.

During the holy month, Muslims fast and do not consume food or drink during the daytime hours, but instead wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor and break their fast after sunset with a meal called iftar. Please be mindful of the observance of this holiday especially as it takes place during the final weeks of instruction and exams. Students especially may be impacted by fasting and changes to sleep routines to accommodate nourishment.

Ramadan is a time for Muslims to gather with family and community within homes and mosques, much like gatherings that take place for Easter and Passover. It is common for mosques to host large iftars, especially in poor or underserved communities. Many will see these practices and traditions curtailed under the current pandemic adding to the stress and sense of isolation for many members of our community who observe the holiday.

We have seen the positive impacts of maintaining social distancing and encourage all members of the community to maintain those practices while carefully considering traveling and plans to gather in larger groups to observe the holiday. Many mosques are streaming prayer services, and some are even hosting virtual communities to share in the iftar. While not a replacement for in-person gathering, virtual connections to family and friends to share faith and reflection can be sustaining during such challenging times.

Wishing you all peace and good health,

Tanhena Pacheco Dunn
Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer