As Ramadan begins, Birmingham City University (BCU) and Birmingham City University Students’ Union (BCUSU) have sent a clear and powerful message to Muslim students: you are valued, supported and you belong here.
The university community came together at City South Campus to break the fast in a moving display of unity. Students and staff — Muslim and non-Muslim alike — sat side by side, sharing food, conversation and reflection. It was more than an Iftar. It was a visible expression of inclusion in action.
Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar, marked by fasting, prayer, spiritual discipline and charity. For university students balancing coursework, deadlines and exams, observing Ramadan can be both spiritually uplifting and physically demanding. By hosting structured Iftar gatherings, BCU and BCUSU created a supportive space that recognised both the faith commitment and wellbeing needs of Muslim students.
Vice President Welfare at BCUSU, Oluwadamilola Iyanda, described the gathering as a reminder of the power of shared humanity. Extending “Ramadan Kareem” to students and staff, she reflected that hosting Iftar is about creating a “home away from home” — a place where traditions are honoured and differences are celebrated. Bringing together people of diverse backgrounds to break bread, she noted, builds bridges of understanding while reinforcing shared values of compassion, discipline and community.
The initiative forms part of a broader inclusivity drive across the university. The event was supported by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team and organised in collaboration with the Global Majority Staff Network and the Islamic Society. Senior leadership awareness and engagement reflect the institution’s long-term commitment under its 2030 strategy to close attainment gaps and strengthen belonging across campus.
Dr Ayazullah Safi, Senior Lecturer and Founder of the Global Majority Staff Network, emphasised that inclusivity is not the responsibility of leadership alone. While vision comes from the top, he explained, delivering meaningful change requires participation from the entire university community. Through monthly workshops, research seminars, storytelling sessions and safe-space dialogues, the network continues to provide structured support to students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
The next Iftar gathering is scheduled for Friday 6 March at the City Centre Campus, with Eid celebrations also planned. These events are designed not only to mark important moments in the Islamic calendar but to reinforce a culture where faith identity is recognised as a valued part of university life.
In an era where student wellbeing and belonging are central to academic success, BCU’s Ramadan Iftar initiatives demonstrate what inclusive higher education looks like in practice. By acknowledging sacred moments, providing pastoral support and fostering shared experiences, the university is strengthening community ties that extend far beyond a single evening meal.
For Muslim students observing Ramadan at Birmingham City University, the message is unmistakable: you are supported — academically, socially and spiritually — and your presence enriches the entire campus community.
