Members of the MSA attending the celebratory lunch

A belated Eid lunch was hosted on Wednesday 14 October 2015 on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), where Muslim students and lecturers convened to observe Eid-ul-Adha which occurred almost three weeks ago.

The event coincided with Muharram, the beginning of a brand-new year for Muslims, according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

At the lunch, Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, joined in the celebration of the Islamic festival, which commemorates the obedience of the prophet Ibrahim to bring forth a sacrifice, as commanded by Allah.

Prof Jansen hosts the lunch annually in support of the Muslim Student Association (MSA).  In light of the day symbolising a pivotal point in the Islamic calendar, he encouraged those in attendance to embrace the festivities.

“This celebration is a time to reflect and a time to be grateful,” he said.

Outgoing MSA president, Muhammed Bhamjee, said that the event functions as a unifying factor, which makes the minority group feel at home in a predominantly Christian university. “It creates that sense of belonging,” said the third-year medical student.

Zaakir Wookey, the current MSA Secretary and second-year Accounting student, explained what Eid means to him. “Basically, this day signifies a commitment to religion, tolerance to God, and full submission to the Islamic faith,” he said.