TO: SSU Community
FR: Jerlena Griffin-Desta, Chief of Staff, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Diversity
At Sonoma State, a commitment to a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant learning community is fundamental to our educational mission. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion works in tandem with our campus partners to create and sustain an environment in which everyone feels that they belong. From seminars and celebrations, to creating educational content, our mission is to affirm and uplift by recognizing and celebrating the various ways we each show up in the world.
For example, we welcomed Lunar New Year in January, while in February we hosted and promoted a successful series of programs and panels for Black History Month. Throughout this month, Women’s History Month, we celebrate women’s contributions to history and culture, and on March 21 we recognized a worldwide celebration of Persian New Year, Nowruz.
And so, we continue. Today marks the first full day of Ramadan, ushered in by the new moon last night and the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Recognized by Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a holy month inclusive of fasting from dawn to sundown in the hopes of cultivating greater taqwa or God-consciousness. Prayer, reading the Qur’an, avoiding bad habits, and performing acts of service and spiritual contemplation are all important during Ramadan, as they bring one into greater alignment with their taqwa.
While fasting is perhaps the most recognizable aspect of Ramadan to those who do not follow the Muslim faith, not everyone is required to fast. Those who are too young, elderly, or unable to fast for other reasons are called, for example, to support anti-hunger initiatives. Fasting often includes a light pre-dawn meal, Suhur, and a small meal, including water and dates, Iftar, after sundown. No liquid or solid nourishment is allowed during the day for the entire month, which ends this year on April 21. The end of Ramadan is acknowledged with a festival called Eid al-Fitr.
Because Ramadan is among the holiest months of the Islamic lunar calendar, its customs are extremely important to those who observe. For those who are not familiar with Ramadan, here is a brief primer to support your learning. There are also resources providing historical, spiritual, and cultural information you can access online.
For those who observe Ramadan, please be aware that University Culinary Services will have vegetarian and halal to-go boxes to be picked up from The Kitchens for those fasting during the month. To-go Suhur and Iftar boxes may be picked up at The Kitchens by 8:00 p.m. For these meals, simply email culinary.services@sonoma.edu before 4:30 p.m. for same-day pickup.
As we embrace the many facets of belonging and well-being, let us remember that our community is made stronger and more positive when we all make an effort to be welcoming and inclusive. There is so much richness embodied in different cultures and traditions, and so much to gain when we embrace, rather than reject, our differences. So, in honor of Ramadan, may the spirit of this holy month of service and reflection inspire all of us to greater kindness, patience, compassion, and awareness of the good in each other and our shared community values.