Islam in Indianapolis
By Sahar Abdullah | April 22Over the past month, Muslims around the world were unified through fasting from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is one the five pillars, or tenets, of Islam, alongside having faith in one God, praying five times a day, giving charity, and making the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia (if one is physically, mentally and financially able to). There are many Hoosiers who participate in Ramadan. According to Indiana Historical Society Press, Muslim sects have established themselves in Indianapolis as early as 1926. Today, a culturally diverse Muslim population calls Indianapolis home. At IUPUI, the Muslim Student Association (MSA), Pakistani Student Association (PSA), Middle Eastern Student Association (MESA) and IUPUI International Club have all hosted iftars— meals consumed when breaking the fast, traditionally starting with a date or water and in a group setting— over the past month.
