The Muslim Students Association (MSA) celebrated their first annual Eid banquet in the Cave on April 13.

Eid al-Fitr, the feast of breaking the fast, is a celebration to mark the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is a dusk to dawn month long fast that occurs in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. During this holy month of fasting, Muslims practice the Five Pillars of Islam to promote spiritual reflection. These five pillars make up each day and consist of fasting (Sawm), profession of faith by reading the Qu’ran (Shahada), prayer (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat) and pilgrimage (Haji). After the sun sets, a prayer is said, and Muslims gather in their homes or mosques to break their fast with a meal called iftar. Iftar, often shared with friends and extended family, is a meal that usually begins with dates, apricots and water or sweetened milk.

Photo of an Eid prayer. (Contributed/Wikipedia)

The MSA’s Eid celebration took place from 12 to 4 p.m. The free event welcomed students of all religions to partake in the beautiful celebration of Eid.

“From presenting the practices of Ramadan and Islam, to showcasing a cultural fashion show, to feasting over Indian cuisine, this celebration has been nothing short of a memorable and engaging event,” said Hasaan Shakil, MSA secretary.

Executive members of MSA educated attendees on Eid, Ramadan and all the details in between that led up to the day of celebration. Attending students learned more about cultural fashion as they witnessed the fashion show put on by MSA members, cat-walking down the stage in thobes, abayas and maxi dresses. The students also got a taste of what many Muslim students call home with dinner catered through Sahib Fine Indian Cuisine. And with a photo booth on site, the event made for a night of fun.

To stay up to date with future MSA and Multicultural Center events, check out their Instagram pages at @etsu_msa and @etsumcc.

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