USF’s The Hub is an on-campus dining hall that sits near The Village and offers a rotating menu. ORACLE PHOTO/ELLIE FROST

USF Dining accommodated the university’s Muslim student population during Ramadan through expanded halal food options to cater to the month-long fast.

Ramadan — which started Feb. 17 and ended March 19 — is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and commemorates the Quran through a fast meant to deepen Muslims’ relationships with Allah, according to the Islamic Networks Group.

Practicing Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, breaking their fast before sunrise during Suhoor, and after sunset during Iftar, according to Muslim Aid. 

USF Dining spokesperson Mariah Truitt said the university and its dining provider, Chartwells, aim to ensure all students feel welcome and supported on campus.

“We strive to provide various menu options, including halal offerings, while maintaining hours and services that accommodate the various needs of the campus community,” Truitt said.

On-campus dining halls, such as The Hub and Juniper Dining Hall, are open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., according to USF Dining. 

Truitt said USF offers a dedicated halal station at Juniper Dining. Additionally, all chicken on campus is halal, and halal burgers are prepared upon request.

Halal foods are foods permitted under the Quran, which have been processed or cleansed by equipment under Islamic law, according to Halal Food Council USA.

“During this time, we ensure that appropriate menu options are available so students can comfortably enjoy their meals,” she said.

Some Muslim students at USF said dining accommodations on campus make them feel supported while they fasted for the month.

Related: OPINION: USF’s dining options close too early 

Osman Hafiz, a sophomore biology major, said that as a practicing Muslim, it feels rewarding to observe Ramadan at USF.

Hafiz said Ramadan is an exciting time for him, adding that he takes pride in the fast because it allows him to connect more with his religion and culture.

“It’s the best month of the year,” Hafiz said. “I spend months prior looking forward to it and months after remembering it.”

He said that for prayer times throughout the day, he goes to the Marshall Student Center’s Serenity Room — a quiet space for students to relax, meditate or pray in.

“To prepare for Ramadan, I choose to start eating less so I can prepare my body for the physical and mental toll it takes,” Hafiz said.

Hafiz said he prepares for the month-long fast by starting to eat less leading up to Ramadan and reflecting on the holy month. 

Still, he said it takes a lot of patience and dedication to fast and commit prayers to memory while balancing his biology coursework.

“I believe it makes you more productive as a student, to focus on the virtues of it while still being a full-time student, can be challenging, but that’s the purpose of Ramadan,” Hafiz said.

He added that he goes to Argos Exchange for most of his meals during Ramadan because it opens early and closes late.

USF’s Argos Exchange offers Flip Kitchen, Campus Brew at Argos and Evolution Kitchen.

The facility opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 2 a.m. daily, with Flip Kitchen and Evolution Kitchen closing at 12 a.m. and 10 p.m., respectively, on weekdays, according to USF Dining.

“I don’t have a meal plan, so Argos is the only thing I can really access besides the MSC food court,” Hafiz said. “It’s really helpful when I’m on campus or in a rush to get something quick.”

Related: USF Muslim prayer disruption results in misdemeanor charges 

Lina Tinzefte, a freshman management major, said Ramadan is an important time for her because it is a month she “gives her all” to Allah.

“I use this time to help form long-life habits, things like praying more, reading the Quran more and journaling,” Tinzefte said.

Tinzefte said that while she does not break fast at the dining halls because she spends it with family, she does appreciate all the options available to her and other Muslim students.

“I usually do Suhoor and Iftar at home with my family, but on days I’m stuck on campus, I go to Juniper for the Halal station,” Tinzefte said.

She added that she was pleasantly surprised by the options and halal foods available in USF’s dining halls.

Tinzefte said she prepares to fast in Ramadan by eating less and praying more. Additionally, like Hafiz, she said she uses the MSC Serenity Room to pray and meditate throughout the day.

“It’s nice to more or less get ahead of the month, and with these [resources] on campus, it helps make organizing and planning out the month easier,” Tinzefte said.

Tinzefte said that as a freshman, it can be difficult to adjust to life as a college student during Ramadan. But remembering that the month is meant to improve spirituality and self-reflection helps with that.

“We’re meant to struggle,” Tinzefte said. “It’s not about getting through your day with ease but rather struggling for Allah’s sake.”