During Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and communal prayer, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) held many different celebrations. Students participated in fundraising and the first Ramadan Iftar celebration hosted by the Edina Somali American Community (ESAC).
“Ramadan means a reset and a reflection of my behaviors,” Safaa Hassan, a sophomore and a student speaker at the Iftar, said. “It’s more like a self-reflection: taking time, slowing down, [and] focusing on what really matters to me, which is my faith.”
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran is believed to have been revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Muslims often participate in the holiday by fasting, studying the Quran, and strengthening community ties. During Ramadan, Iftar is also observed. Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast, which commonly consists of dates and water.
Community members and students learned about Ramadan, broke their fasts together, and celebrated at the ESAC Iftar celebration.
“Seeing that they care so much about our Muslim community in Edina High School, and seeing all of them show up made me feel very happy,” Hassan said. “I felt seen in a way.”
“It was a really great opportunity to build a stronger sense of community with Edina,” sophomore, ESAC student representative, and MSA member Nasteha Abdiaziz said. “It also showed how important Ramadan is to different people and what perspectives everyone shares.”
The MSA also hosted the Baby Boo Bake Sale with the Student Council in February to raise funds for their own Iftar, though the event was later cancelled.
“Though the event kind of got blown over, we are still aiming to use [the funds] for our future events,” junior and MSA creative director Ilhan Omar said.
Freshman and MSA member Aliya Abdullahi said that the MSA’s celebrations made her “feel seen.”
“I didn’t know that there was gonna be [an] MSA at the high school. So that was very surprising to see,” Abdullahi said.
“I’m really proud of this group,” MSA Advisor and Administrative Dean Jeff Pope said. “I know that it’s been dormant for a while, so I’m really happy that it’s here.”
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on April 9, 2026
