The Muslim Student Association (MSA) hosted its annual Iftar Party at Edison High on March 10 in celebration of the holy month of Ramadan to bring students and members together to share a meaningful evening of unity, reflection, and celebration.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, also known as one of the most important months in the religion of Islam. During this sacred time, Muslims from all around the world engage in fasting—observed as one of the Five Pillars of Islam—from sunrise to sunset to practice self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, increased prayer, mental and physical resets, and acts of kindness. Each evening of the month, the fast is broken with iftar, a meal that starts with dates and water, followed by dinner with family and friends.
MSA’s 2026 Iftar party brought these traditions to life, creating a warm and welcoming space where students from different backgrounds gathered together to learn about Ramadan’s culture.
Hadeel Omar ‘27, a lead coordinator, mentioned that the MSA carefully planned and organized the event for around two months, with weekly meetings where everyone shared ideas to plan an unforgettable evening. A welcoming environment and comfort food were a top priority for the event and the organization. Their goal wasn’t just to celebrate Ramadan, but to promote understanding and appreciation of Muslim values.
The evening began as guests made their way to the cafeteria and were welcomed by MSA members and coordinators. A Quran recitation by Yusuf Shifan ‘27, who shared the chapter Surah Al-Mulk, set the tone for the gathering.
After the reading, guest speaker, former MSA president and Young Muslims Edison coordinator Abdullah Rizvi ‘23 shared the importance of fasting and the remembrance of Allah during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
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Students and guests come together in Edison High’s cafeteria as the athan is called, preparing to break their fast after the prayer of Maghrib, creating a moment of reflection and connection.
COURTESY OF EHS FILM CREW
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From left: Haram Iqbal ’29, Mishal Shahid ’28, Yashaf Chaudhary ’28, MSA advisor Hanan Almasoud, and MSA board member Minan Abualhassan ’28 wear Islamic traditional clothing (kurtas and abayas), highlighting a sense of the unity and culture of Ramadan.
COURTESY OF EHS FILM CREW
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From left: MSA Board members Rittal Altairi ’28, Minan Abualhassan ’28, Haddeel Omar ’27, Malak Abdelsayed ’27, Muhammad Abdullah ’27, Wijdaan Ashraf ’27, Muaadh Inamul hassan ’26, Arham Junaid ’28, and Ibrahim Kureshy ’28 take a group picture together at the Iftar photo booth, spearheading their community with leadership, tradition, and friendship.
COURTESY OF EHS FILM CREW
“His words were inspiring, and it was a nostalgic experience to see a familiar face returning to share wisdom with the community,” said Omar.
The religious gathering focused on learning about Islam, honoring themes of charity, gratitude, and culture in the Muslim community.
“Alhamdulillah [thank God], around one hundred people attended,” said Omar. “It was a great chance to connect, catch up, and welcome new faces who were not familiar with the Muslim Student Association.”
As the sun set, all attendees headed to the cafeteria and waited in anticipation. Once the athan (the call to prayer) was recited, guests began breaking their fast with fresh dates and water, adhering to a tradition from hundreds of years ago.
“My favorite part was when everyone broke the fast together, all at the same time,” said Hafsa Kareem ’27. “I felt really peaceful and connected in some way.”
Following the breaking of the fast, students prepared for Maghrib prayer by laying out prayer mats in the cafeteria. Afterwards, the guests lined up for food catered by Calcutta Wok, a local halal Indo-Chinese restaurant, alongside contributions from members of the high school community. For dessert, sweet treats such as cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake, and kheer (a rice pudding made with milk, cardamom, and nuts) were served.
“The iftar was so delicious and welcoming, it really made people feel included and appreciated,” said Afifa Shanum ‘28.
After the food was served, guests sat together and talked.
“It was a beautiful reminder that as long as you have trust in Allah, everything will be fine,” said Omar.
Near the end, guests gathered to take photos and capture memories in the photo booth.
“Even a person not really familiar with the Ramadan culture would easily learn and feel included through events like this,” said Shanum, “and it will help them be more confident and sociable.”
Beyond the food and atmosphere, the event also helped promote Muslim understanding within the school. Non-Muslim students attended, learning and supporting the traditions of Ramadan within the Edison High School Muslim community.
Giselle Newman ‘27 said that she believes that events like this are “a great way for different students to learn about different cultures.”