MSA Hosts Second Ramadan Iftar at McMillan Hall

The UPEI Muslim Student Association (MSA) hosted its second Iftar of the holy month of Ramadan on February 28 at McMillan Hall in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre, welcoming a strong turnout of students for an evening centered on reflection, unity, and community. The gathering brought together students from diverse backgrounds, creating a welcoming space for both Muslim and non-Muslim attendees to learn about and experience the spirit of Ramadan.

Building on last year’s momentum, this year’s Iftar saw an increase in both volunteers and attendees. “It’s been wonderful as usual,” said Yousef, highlighting the dedication of the MSA team. Many returning organizers helped ensure the event ran smoothly, while new volunteers stepped up to contribute. He noted that the event was well structured and thoughtfully organized, reflecting the growth, collaboration, and experience of the team compared to the previous year.

Hosting an event of this scale does present challenges. An MSA executive shared that securing funding and coordinating with sponsors and food providers can sometimes be difficult to navigate, especially when planning for a large number of attendees. However, the team worked collaboratively and efficiently to deliver a meaningful experience. The UPEI Student Union played a key role in supporting the event, helping provide food and assisting with logistics, which strengthened the partnership between student groups on campus.

This week’s Iftar featured Arabic-style chicken and beef shawarma sponsored by Tabali Grills, which was enjoyed by attendees. After breaking their fast and offering prayers together, students stayed for a poetry session that added a warm and personal touch to the evening, allowing participants to share reflections, creativity, and stories in an intimate setting.

Campus Life Advisor Mudassar Maqsood described the event as “truly a great experience,” emphasizing how meaningful it was to see students gather in such a welcoming and united atmosphere. He noted that sharing Iftar and prayers together strengthened the sense of belonging on campus and fostered deeper connections among students. The post-Iftar poetry session, he added, made the evening even more memorable and highlighted the importance of creating inclusive spaces for cultural and spiritual expression. Overall, he described the night as a powerful reminder of how student-led initiatives can bring the community closer during Ramadan and beyond.