MSA Hosts Ramadan Iftar Dinner with Speakers
Muslim students gather to discuss maintaining serenity during Ramadan
By Najma Hussein
The Muslim Student Associations of St. Catherine and Hamline Universities collaborated and put on a wonderful Ramadan iftar dinner on April 5 in the CdC Ballroom for young Muslim adults in the St. Paul area. The dinner had panelists with experience in mental health counseling, and the event focused on maintaining serenity during Ramadan and beyond.
Co-President of MSA Sara Abusaif ‘25 (Nursing) said she felt nervous before the event but had complete confidence in her team. “Coming together as a group and as a team — it just like, it felt like the community to me,” she said. “So seeing all people from different walks of life unites and comforts us. That was really amazing. And I would say that was my favorite part about it, and being able to network with other women at this event was really amazing.”
The panelists included four people; three of them were women. Suad Ismail, a licensed professional clinical counselor, shared much wisdom about mixing Islam and therapy. Kaltun Karani, a psychotherapist and founder of Hikma Academy, discussed how hardships come with ease and healing using Islam. Lastly, Muna Scekomar, a producer and co-founder of the Digital Sisterhood podcast and Beautiful Light Studios, talked about creating bonds and surrounding ourselves with good people. Scekomar inspires me and paved a path for many Muslim women who want to go into media. The last speaker, Imam Vural Ӧztürk, brought an excellent male perspective and discussed growth and spirituality.
MSA Intern Sihan Abdi ‘26 (Nursing) said her highlight was meeting Scekomar. “She is someone I really look up to. She’s very motivating, and it just felt like ‘wow!’ actually seeing her in person.”
This dinner brought together many Muslim students in the community to celebrate breaking their fasts. The event was filled with laughter, joy, good food and inspiring words.
