Welcoming Ramadan

 

February 25, 2025 

Dear Friends of OMSE, 

 

Ramadan Mubarak to all those observing the Islamic month at Wayne State University! Ramadan is set to begin the evening of Friday, February 28 (with the possible variation of a day) for approximately 2 billion Muslims across the world. We are proud to celebrate this special month on a diverse campus with a significant number of Muslim students and employees, and in a state that is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country.  

 

Wayne State’s campus and its neighboring communities have a historical and unique significance for Islam in America. Dearborn has proportionally the largest Muslim population in the country, the largest mosque in North America, and is a lively place to celebrate Ramadan evening festivities. Additionally, Hamtramck is the first Muslim-majority city, it is led by an all-Muslim city council, and its mosques broadcast the call to prayer (athan) over loudspeakers. The influential Muslim leader El Hajj Malik Shabazz, commonly known as Malcolm X, delivered a speech at Wayne State’s State Hall in 1963 and his “Ballot or Bullet” speech at King Solomon Baptist Church in Detroit in 1964. Our very own WSU professor Dr. Tareq Ramadan led the Anthropology Department’s initiative to restore Malcolm X’s Inkster home, which was honored with the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation. 

 

Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. The month is observed by fasting from food and drink from sunrise to sundown, praying late into the night (taraweeh), reading the Quran, engaging in community service, waking up early to eat in preparation of fasting (suhoor), and breaking fast (iftar) with community. Ramadan is a month of spiritual observations, community engagement, and reflection.  

 

Acknowledging that many WSU Warriors are working to fit the demands of school and work into their fasting schedule by considering accommodations will make a meaningful impact in creating an inclusive climate for all Wayne State students and employees.  

 

Join us in welcoming this joyous month at our Ramadan Kickoff social on Wednesday, February 26 at 2:30 p.m.in the Student Center 7th floor. All are welcome! 

  

Your OMSE Team,  

Stephanie, Akelah, Blair, Bayan and Jacqui