Rice University’s Graduate Muslim Student Association (GMSA) held a dinner June 28 at Farnsworth Pavilion in a belated celebration of Eid al-Adha, the second of two main Islamic holidays that marks the culmination of the pilgrimage rites at Minā, Saudi Arabia, near Mecca, honoring Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
The gathering was punctuated with community, games, cultural celebrations and a delectable spread of food.
“As graduate students, we are often separated in our own bubbles all across campus,” said Zina Helal, a bioengineering doctoral student and member of the GMSA Organizing Council. “Hosting these events centered around our faith identity and culture has really strengthened my sense of community. It’s been especially wonderful seeing new faces at each event, and we’re so grateful for the support from the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.”
An established group of Muslim students on campus already exists with the Rice Muslim Student Association, which is run by mostly undergraduate-focused leadership. The more recently formed group was created to develop an increased presence among graduate students who are Muslim.
“This dinner with the Graduate Muslim Student Association is one example of how Rice helps fulfill graduate students’ needs,” said Carrie Willard, assistant dean in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. “While most of the undergraduate population leaves campus during the summer, a good number of our graduate students stay on campus for those few months. This is one way for Rice’s graduates to enjoy a thriving student life during the summer while also celebrating the great diversity of our student body.”
This dinner followed on the heels of the GMSA’s springtime “Fast-a-thon” during Ramadan, which helped to educate the community about Islam and fasting practices.
