'UU is saying: 'We see you'

Outside, the sun has set, and night is almost upon us. Inside the Educatorium, the aromas of freshly baked bread, soup, spiced chicken drumsticks, and sweet baklava fill the air. For the second year in a row, UU held an Iftar on Wednesday evening for the entire university. It is a collaboration between the Islamic student association, INSAN, the pharmacy student association, Unitas Pharmaceuticorum (U.P.), and the university’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) team.

People were overwhelmingly interested in the event: two hundred students and faculty members signed up, which speaks to the growing visibility of Ramadan at the university, according to Pharmacy lecturer Sonja El Yandouzi. “There are now so many students fasting during this period that you can’t ignore it anymore. The fact that the university is once again hosting an iftar sends an important signal to that group. UU is basically saying, 'We see you.'”

According to El Yandouzi, coming together also fosters connection, something that can sometimes get lost in the hustle and bustle of academic life. “It’s not just breaking the fast that matters, but also the feeling that you belong somewhere.”

She is delighted that students are ending the day together here, regardless of their background or religion. “This has an impact on the university's atmosphere and fosters a greater sense of togetherness.”

Ramadan in the West
Before the meal, Brigitte Prieshof, Programme coordinator with the EDI team, delivered a welcome address in a lecture hall. She emphasised the importance of connection, diversity, and inclusion at Utrecht University.

Next, Rihab Assarrar, a student council member from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, explained exactly what Ramadan entails. Finally, the YouTuber Jihad Alaraichi, also known for the TV show “Meisjes van Halal”, moderated a panel on Ramadan in the West. Attendees could use green or red cards to indicate whether they agreed with certain statements. 

The discussion was lively. Students shared stories about how different Ramadan is in Muslim countries compared to the Netherlands. “In Syria, almost everyone fasts,” says a student. “When the sun sets, everyone is cheerful, and friends and families get together.” It’s a familiar scene for a professor from Afghanistan, who emphasised that Iftar is something you're supposed to “experience together.”

Things are different in the Netherlands, another student noted. “In the West, you eat with your family, but in a smaller circle and less elaborately.” Another student added, “Here, you kind of just squeeze Ramadan in. Quickly in between classes, studying, and work.”

An Introduction
And then it was time to eat. Not everyone at the table was Muslim. For many of those present, this was their first Iftar experience. Many people are curious.

Sita Newer (23), a Pharmacy student, came at the invitation of a friend. “I have many Muslim friends in my programme, but to be honest, I knew very little about what fasting entailed,” she said. “I always thought it was about eating and not eating, but it’s also about contemplation and self-reflection. It's very beautiful.”

Li Rong (22), a Master’s student in Drug Innovation, came with a group of friends who are INSAN members. “We really wanted to celebrate this together and experience what Ramadan is all about. It’s not just about religion, but also about community and togetherness.” Thanks to the discussion held before iftar, she learned how Muslims experience Ramadan. “It’s nice that I have a better understanding of what it’s like for them now.”

A 24-year-old History student, who prefers to remain anonymous, said: “I learned a lot of things during my first Iftar. For example, I learned that travellers don’t have to fast.” She thought it was wonderful that people could talk about Ramadan at Educatorium. “For non-Muslims like me, this is an accessible way to experience something like this.”

From Mosque to University
For INSAN, organising a university-wide Iftar is a way to build bridges and advocate for the interests of Muslim students on campus. According to Nefise Çelebi, the association’s student affairs committee manager, the collaboration with the EDI team is key. “Thanks to their help, we could raise awareness about what Ramadan means to Muslims.”

The collaboration goes beyond the meal. Together, EDI and INSAN have also set up temporary quiet rooms for the Ramadan period. “The university only has a few quiet rooms, and they’re far apart. Students have to walk a long way to reach them, so they didn't have enough time to pray between lectures and seminars. When you start talking about what these students need, you end up discovering that you can do much more than expected." 

Diversity at the table
Meanwhile, a conversation began at a table between a Dutch student and an Indonesian student. They didn’t know each other beforehand. The Indonesian student was Muslim and shared how wonderful it was for her to be able to celebrate Ramadan here. “In Indonesia, I used to get together with my childhood friends and former classmates. I missed that feeling here. Until now.”

According to El Yandouzi, these connections are what make the evening meaningful. “Students get to share what it means to fast in a non-Muslim environment. How they sometimes have to schedule their prayers or meals between study groups. At the same time, you hear how this can be inspiring to others —that perseverance and discipline. It’s an exchange of worlds and experiences.”