Students share inclusive Iftar meal at the Chaplaincy

International PhD student, Zinnia Mansoor, talks about Ramadan and her involvement in the inclusive Iftar meals, served weekly at the Chaplaincy throughout Ramadan. 

When: Tuesday 28 March - Tuesday 18 April   

Food times are dependent on the Ramadan calendar: 

• Tuesday 28 March, from 7.15 pm 
• Tuesday 4 April, from 7.15 pm 
• Tuesday 11 April, from 7.45 pm
• Tuesday 18 April, from 7.45 pm 

Where: The Chaplaincy, MP Building, City Campus 

Iftar, the evening meal which breaks fast during Ramdan, beings at sunset each day. To celebrate this special meal the Chaplaincy and the Pakistan Society, are arranging a weekly Iftar meal, taking place on Tuesday evenings, from the second week of Ramadan. This simple vegetarian meal will be an inclusive event to which all students and staff whatever their faith are invited.

It will be an opportunity to share a conversation over food, reflect and learn about each other’s traditions - and help make new friends.

In the video above, international student, Zinnia Mansoor, talks about Ramadan and what this special time means to her.  Zinnia is in her second year of PhD study in Biological Sciences and is part of the Pakistan Society. Zinnia, who has been instrumental in organising the inclusive Iftar meals at the Chaplaincy explains how Ramadan is not only about refraining from food but also keeping a check on our vices. It is a time when Muslims seek to be more empathetic, and charitable and develop good habits that carry over to the whole year. 

Zinnia said: "It's during this one month that Muslims reach out to others. When we're breaking our fast, which is called Iftar, which is at sunset, it's a family thing. So you sit down with your family and you enjoy your meal with your family.  And at the same time, you are instructed to ensure that people around you have food as well. So it's a time of sharing food with your neighbours, with your friends and everyone else."  

Zinnia had the idea to share Iftar with her fellow students when after her first year of Ramadan here in the UK, she realised she missed her family tradition, her friends and reaching out to others during this time.

Zinnia said: "The main idea is to share ideas and reflect over the spirit of Ramadan, as well as make new friends and learn about cultures while sharing food." 

The Iftars are open to all students and staff, of any faith or none - all are welcome. 

Planning for Ramadan and Eid 

The Chaplaincy has set up Teams group for students and staff to discuss activities for Ramadan and Eid. If you would like to join please get in at chaplaincy@wlv.ac.uk. You must use a wlv.ac.uk email address to be added to the group.

Share your special days 

Sharing and celebrating occasions that are meaningful to ourselves, our cultures and our communities can help us all feel a strong sense of belonging, and help us to better understand one another. Help us to decide which days and seasons we celebrate as a University community by completing this short form: My Special Days.