Campus Programming
UMass Lowell’s Muslim Student Association (MSA) was founded in 1975 and sponsors several social, cultural and educational events and activities for the campus community. In these activities, MSA aims to promote awareness, understanding and provide a more inclusive and a healthy environment between all River Hawks at UMass Lowell.
MSA has hosted iftar dinners for Muslims (and interested non-Muslims) to break their fast as well as weekly religious circles on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Serenity Center at University Crossing (UCC) 382. For more information or to get involved with MSA, drop by any of the MSA Circles, Jumu’ah Prayers, General Body Meetings or email: umasslowellmsa@gmail.com.
Dining On-Campus/Ramadan
An important time for Muslims on campus is during Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, introspection, and prayer. It is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset. Fasting is an act of worship that enables Muslims to draw closer to God Almighty and strengthen their spiritual health and self-discipline. Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic calendar. Support your Muslim friends by wishing them a “Ramadan Mubarak” (Happy Ramadan) or “Ramadan Kareem” (may Ramadan be generous to you). You can also simply say “Happy Ramadan” in English.
Many members of our campus community will be observing Ramadan. Dining Services annually increases food options at the after-hours dining option, Rowdy’s-On the Fly. Students with meal plans can also request a breakfast option during their On the Fly order the day/evening prior for suhoor. Dried dates (which are naturally high in sugar and the right kinds of carbohydrates to rejuvenate the body's energy levels after a long fast) are available upon request at both dining hall and On the Fly locations.
Ramadan begins and ends at different times each year based on sighting of the moon. Please check annually for approximate dates:
- 2023: March 23-April 22
- 2024: March 11-April 10
- 2025: March 1-March 31
- 2026: February 18-March 20
- 2027: February 8-March 10
- 2028: January 28-February 27
Throughout the year in the dining halls, halal meal options are offered with the designated signage displayed in the salad, deli, and grill stations. The logotype below will be used to denote halal dishes. For additional ingredient and dish information, scan the QR codes located by food items. Additionally, all are welcome to approach any on-site dining manager wearing blue or white chef hats.
Reflection Rooms and Jumu’ah
Background on Daily Prayers and Friday Prayers (Jumu’ah) - Islam is one of the three major religions of the world. It is a monotheistic religion that obligates all Muslims to perform certain mandatory duties, one of which is prayer. Muslim prayer is based on a lunar calendar, which causes the timings for the five daily prayers to vary between 2 a.m. to midnight. Each prayer must be performed within a limited time frame and completed prior to the next prayer time. Prayers can occur in a group or in an individual manner. On Fridays, the Muslim holy day, congregational prayer is mandatory.
Reflection Rooms on Campus
Reflection rooms are important spaces for students to gather for reflection, meditation, and/or prayer. Each space is uniquely different, and access/availability is dependent on building hours as well as room access. There are several reflection rooms and prayer space across campus.
- University Crossing 382, Third Floor, Serenity Center, walk in, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Dimensions: 40 x 15 feet)
- Room is open during building hours, includes an ablution (wudu) space, rugs available. It is a shared space: certain dates/times may be reserved for other groups and events occurring in the space.
- O’Leary Library 511, Fourth Floor, Key access: 7:30 a.m. – midnight (Monday-Thursday); 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Friday); 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Saturday); 12:30 p.m. – midnight (Sunday). Key check out at main info desk of O’Leary Library (show student ID)
- Alumni Hall B3, Garden Level, access: 7:30 a.m. – midnight (Monday-Thursday); 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Friday); 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Saturday); 12:30 p.m. – midnight (Sunday). Access to space is via UCARD Tap Access, which may require an ID card update from UCAPS. UMass Lowell students, faculty and staff can request access using the North Campus Prayer Room Request Form.