Dear Members of the TC Community:

Sunset today is the start of Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic year, and I want to extend warm wishes for a happy Ramadan to all our Muslim students, colleagues and friends. 

Ramadan, which ends at sunset on Sunday, May 1, is a time of fasting, prayer and reflection for the Muslim community. Observers not only abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours but also strive to rid themselves of anger, bad habits and negative thoughts; they are also called to contemplate the suffering of those less fortunate and participate in charitable acts. While we do not all observe this holiday, we can each draw inspiration from Ramadan’s universal principles of gratitude, selflessness and service to reinvigorate our own efforts to advance a more just and equitable world.

To those who observe, I hope you have a healthy and holy fast and plenty of opportunities to gather and celebrate with loved ones. As a reminder, Columbia Muslim Life is hosting iftar dinners open to TC and Columbia students this weekend and every Monday and Thursday of April in the Earl Hall Auditorium. Students are also welcome to join the nightly Taraweeh prayers in the same location and there will be an Eid al-Fitr prayer and celebration on campus on the morning of Monday, May 2.

Have a wonderful weekend and Ramadan Mubarak!

Warmly,

Thomas Bailey
President, Teachers College