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SUMSA is Offering Free Meals in Ramadan

Sara Galy

Supporting Students in Ramadan

CoronavirusFastMuslimsPrayersRamadanReligious gatheringsStudents

Strathclyde University Muslim Students Association (SUMSA) is suspending their usual Ramadan traditions due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The traditions include breaking the fast together with an “Iftar” meal provided by the association, as well as praying in congregation the “Taraweeh” prayers. 

 
With the spread of the new Coronavirus, the association is offering instead free meals to all Muslim students. They aim to deliver the free evening “Iftar” meals to students throughout the holy month of Ramadan. They are supporting students who live near campus, international students, and students who are living alone. All you need to do is to fill in the following form on here. 
 
 
“SUMSA usually provides “Iftar” for students every evening at sunset in Ramadan. This is followed by a long congregational prayer which lasts throughout the night,” said Uswah Hafizal, SUMSA’s Educational events coordinator.
 
 
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a document which states the measures that should be considered during such an occasion. It is highly recommended to suspend religious gatherings. 
 
 
“This Ramadan due to the COVID-19 induced quarantine, SUMSA’s new project SUMSA-eats, is providing an iftar delivery service for students living in the Glasgow area. As a result of COVID-19, Taraweeh (congregational prayers) have stopped in the place of solitary prayer. Families may stay up together to pray and read the Quran,”  added Uswah. 
 
 
 
It is thus advised to use virtual alternatives such as radio, television, mobile applications and social media platforms for religious gatherings. 
 
 
As so many clubs and societies at Strathclyde Students’ Union, SUMSA has moved its service online as a new alternative to stay connected during these uncertain times. The association uses Skype for certain activities such as the Sisters’ Circle. On normal days, this Circle takes place at St. Pauls building and includes only different female students who convene to connect and read a specified topic in Islam and reflect on it afterwards. The association also communicates through their Whatsapp group where they post about the date and the time of any circle or activity online. 
 
 
“Muslim leaders are still providing activities in the form of online learning to keep everyone connected.” added Uswah Hafizal.
 

 

Islam Awareness Week - Dawah Training Event in collaboration with iERA
 
 
What is SUMSA? 
Strathclyde University Muslim Students Association is a vibrant and dynamic Islamic society working to provide spiritual support service to students within the University of Strathclyde. SUMSA was established in 1971 with the help of the Glasgow University Muslim Students Association (GUMSA).  
 
SUMSA is located at St Pauls building, in front of the Student Union’s building in John Street. On regular days, the building is open for the five daily prayers. The building is also a quiet study zone where one can relax and socialise.  
 
Some of the activities that usually take place at SUMSA consists of:
  • Calligraphy
  • Comedy nights
  • Treasure hunts
  • Paintballing
  • Quiz shows
  • Talks
  • Conferences 
  • Sumo suit wrestling 
The key annual events in SUMSA: 
  • Freshers week
  • Charity Week Glasgow
  • Discover Islam Week 
  • Islam Awareness Week 
  • Believe and Do Good month
SUMSA Day trip to Ben A’an for freshers week
 
 
 
 
Please feel free to contact SUMSA on sumsa.glasgow@gmail.com for inquiries on Islam or student life in general. 
 
Written by Sara Galy, Content Writer at Strath Union.
 
 

 

Published: 22 Apr 2020 10:51 , Last updated: 26 Jul 2022 12:29