The smell of warm meats and savory rice flowed throughout the bridge of Joliet Junior College (JJC) on Thursday March 26, 2026, drawing hungry students toward the Eid festivities and feast.
Hosted by the Muslim Student Society (MSS), the Eid al-Fitr gathering welcomed students into traditions and customs meaningful to Muslim communities, creating an atmosphere of openness and belonging.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, reflection and spiritual connection observed by Muslims worldwide. Many Muslim students typically celebrate the holiday with loved ones, breaking their fast and sharing meals together.
Arabic music flowed through the crowd as students lined up to sample the spread — grilled meat platters, rice, falafel and hummus topped with a variety of sauces.
In addition to food and music, attendees watched an introductory video explaining Eid, Ramadan and Islamic beliefs before participating in trivia games.
For Nada Yasin, the Eid event was not her first with MSS. She previously attended the World Hijab Day event, but this time she brought a couple of friends along to share the experience.
“I feel like I am able to share a part of myself right now,” Yasin said. “Being able to show a part of me that most don’t see — it means a lot.”
The classmates she brought along, Mia Montello and Erik Lopez, were attending their first MSS event and said they enjoyed taking part in the celebration. Both placed in the trivia games, earning first and third place, while Yasin joked she abstained due to an “unfair advantage.”
The event drew about 30 students from a variety of backgrounds, with attendees moving between classes and the celebration, stopping to eat, socialize and enjoy the atmosphere.
“My favorite part so far might definitely be the music,” said JJC student Sajdah Anani. “Hearing the Arabic language helps people move past stereotypes and normalize it.”
Students and members of the organization said events like this allow them to share important aspects of their culture with others on campus. During Ramadan, many balance fasting from sunrise to sunset while attending classes and working, making opportunities for recognition and understanding especially meaningful. Organizers said even small moments of interest and engagement can help strengthen a more inclusive campus community.
“It’s nice to be able to show students what we are about,” said Saed Hasan, president of MSS. “We aren’t what people make us out to be. This is a way to show students the values we hold.”
Hasan, a nursing student who has attended JJC for three years, said he has never felt out of place on campus. He said students, administration and the college community have consistently supported the organization’s events and efforts to build connection.
The Eid celebration is the group’s largest event of the year, but MSS also hosts presentations on Islamophobia awareness, World Hijab Day and other events throughout Ramadan.
“We see a lot of support from students and are seeing the club grow,” said JJC student Imane Elalamy, who is a MSS public relations board member. “More people are asking questions about Islam, and we appreciate it so much. I would love to see the school host more events promoting diversity like this aside from our club.”
Beyond the food and festivities, the event created a sense of connection among students. Attendees took in the atmosphere, sharing conversations and perspectives with one another. For many, it offered more than a celebration — it provided a space to be seen, understood and included.
