During Ramadan, Lund's mosque opens for communal iftar meals where students, newcomers, and others gather to combat loneliness. The initiative targets those who would otherwise break their fast alone, such as international students and refugees. Visitors describe the event as touching and community-building.
In Lund's mosque, people gather every evening during Ramadan to break their fast together through iftar meals. The event begins at sunset, with the call to prayer, distribution of dates, and a communal prayer before the meal. A round of introductions follows, as many meet for the first time.
Rukhsanna Bi, an international student in political science from Singapore who recently moved to Lund, shares that this is her first Ramadan without family. 'This means a lot for us who are here alone,' she says, emphasizing that such initiatives are helpful in Lund's international environment.
Halima Jönsson, a board member of the mosque, explains the purpose: 'We want to break that isolation' for those alone during Ramadan, including refugees, single parents, and converts. She notes that fasting in Sweden can be challenging for young people studying or working. Nine-year-old Anisa Osman, a regular visitor, adds: 'Then you can feel safe and come every day to eat good food' and 'have fun'.
Chaymae Fennine, from Morocco and a postdoc at SLU, discovered the event via social media. 'I live alone in Lund and felt very moved when I heard about the initiative,' she says. She highlights that the iftar is about community, not financial aid, and is free without requiring donations. Meals are prepared by volunteer families or individuals from Sunday to Friday, while Saturdays involve local restaurants.
The initiative is open to both those lacking company and families wanting to celebrate together, creating a space for shared experiences.
