Ramadan at UMD

 

Ramadan is here and the interfaith Memorial Chapel is happy to consolidate and connect terps to resources regarding religious observations as part of our commitment to supporting spiritual life for all students on campus. Ramadan is the holy month where observing Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset for the lunar month (usually 29 or 30 days). This year, it is anticipated to fall between February 17 and March 19, 2026. In this email, you will find resources as well as information about the free iftar dinners at stamp throughout the month, which are open terps of all faiths. Each event will have a different focus and opportunity for engagement, prizes, good food, and more.

Looking for more Ramadan resources at UMD? Check out stamp.umd.edu/ramadan

Monday, February 23 Terplink | UMD Calendar Location: Colony Ballroom, Stamp Student Union Doors Open: 5:20 PM (Sunset/Break Fast at 5:55 PM) It's the first Iftar at Stamp of Ramadan! Join us for community, great food, games, prizes, a photobooth and more! Wednesday, February 25 Terplink | UMD Calendar Location: Prince George’s Room, Stamp Student Union Doors Open: 5:20 PM (Sunset/Break Fast at 5:57 PM) In partnership with the interfaith student organization Bridging Paths, join us for a special interfaith iftar. This is the perfect event for those looking to learn more about what Ramadan is all about. Great food, community, games, and more!

Monday, March 2 Terplink | UMD Calendar Location: Colony Ballroom, Stamp Student Union Doors Open: 5:30 PM (Sunset/Break Fast at 6:02 PM) This inter-MSA iftar will be a great time to connect with other students from around the region, as student delegations from our neighboring universities join us to break fast. Wednesday, March 11 Terplink | UMD Calendar Location: Grand Ballroom Lounge, Stamp Student Union Doors Open: 6:30 PM (Sunset/Break Fast at 7:11 PM) It's midterms and Spring Break and Eid are right around the corner, and it's time to lock in! This chill iftar will transition to an evening study zone and hang out space with snacks, drinks, and more until midnight.

Thank you to our Iftars at Stamp Sponsors! The School of Public Health, The Department of Resident Life, The College of Education, A. James Clark School of Engineering, The College of Information, The Division of Student Affairs, The STAMP Programming Fund, and the Pepsi Enhancement Fund.

Supporting our Community during Ramadan

Be mindful of the physical impact of fasting. This might mean that people are less energized or focused while participating in meetings and classes. Acknowledge conflicts. People may need to step away from or miss parts of meetings or classes due to prayer time, or breaking fast. Communicate what expectations are in as far advance as possible. Understand the law and UMD policy. Students and staff with sincerely held religious or spiritual beliefs have the right to request accommodations, when reasonable. See OCRSM for more details. Be proactive! Make space for observers of Ramadan whether or not people have self-identified themselves as Muslim. Relying on clothing or looks to tell you who is celebrating is a quick way to miss the full breadth and diversity of our campus muslim community.

Resources and Prayer Spaces for Students, Faculty, and Staff

Tarif Shraim serves as the Muslim chaplain at UMD. Imam Tarif provides mentorship, care, and coaching to Muslim college students--all are welcome to reach out to him. Office: 2118 Memorial Chapel | Email: tshraim@gmail.com The Muslim Student Association hosts iftars, taraweeh and jummah regularly. Find them and other faith based student organizations on terplink. Prayer Spaces at UMD The Musallah is located in the Cole Field House: Room 0204. It is directly across the southwest entrance of Stamp Student Union, next to the Union Lane Garage. The Stamp Student Union ablution room is located on the Ground floor across from the Hoff Theater. This space is available for use anytime the Stamp is open to the public. The 3214 alcove serves as McKeldin Library’s designated reflection space. The Memorial Chapel is an interfaith space and offers a serene space for all students for reflection, prayer, and meditation during the day.