Filipino Muslim students host iftar gatherings in Manila’s universities
MANILA, Philippines (MNTV) – In the heart of the Philippines, where Muslims make up a minority in a predominantly Catholic nation, a group of young Muslim students is fostering interfaith unity through the time-honored tradition of iftar, the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast.
The Students Association for Islamic Affairs (SAIA), a Manila-based youth organization, has been organizing the University Tour Iftar initiative to bring together Muslim and non-Muslim students across universities in Metro Manila.
The initiative, launched in 2023, aims to strengthen community ties while providing an opportunity for interfaith dialogue.
Speaking to Arab News, SAIA President Alinaid Angcob II said the initiative allows students to “get to know each other and strengthen our bonds.”
Established in 2009 by Muslim students and young professionals, SAIA works to unite young Muslims in the Philippine capital and inspire them to excel in their careers.
This year, the iftar gatherings have been hosted at several institutions, including the University of Makati, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and the Philippine Normal University.
Beyond sharing meals, the initiative features discussions on the significance of Ramadan and fasting, giving non-Muslim attendees a deeper understanding of Islamic traditions.
“One of our biggest missions is to strengthen brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslim students and professionals in Metro Manila,” said Jaffar Malic, SAIA’s external vice president. “We realized that one way to achieve that unity is through a salo-salo (shared meal).”
The initiative is supported by donations from friends and contributions from Muslim-owned businesses in Manila, which see it as an opportunity to uplift and connect the local Muslim community.
“Many Muslim entrepreneurs are eager to support this cause because they recognize its value in fostering unity,” Malic added.
For SAIA members, the iftar gatherings go beyond just breaking fast—they help build a sense of belonging in a city where Muslims are a minority.
“It’s like finding a community that understands you for who you are and what you believe in—without compromise,” Malic said.
Non-Muslim students who attend the iftars have expressed appreciation for the initiative, with many saying it has helped them better understand their Muslim peers.
“We agreed to come, hoping to learn something about our friend’s religion so we can connect with him better,” said Lenon, a student at the Philippine Normal University.
Another attendee, Janelle, shared her key takeaway: “I learned that fasting is not just about food; it’s about discipline and faith.”
Muslims comprise around 10 percent of the Philippines’ population, residing mainly in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in the country’s south.
However, a growing Muslim community is also present in Metro Manila, where initiatives like the University Tour Iftar are helping build bridges across faiths—one shared meal at a time.
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