Some Stellenbosch University (SU) students have voiced their concerns with the university’s concessions for Muslim students during Ramadaan.
Ramadaan, the month of fasting for Muslims, started on 2 April.
SU provides Muslim students with a 10-minute concession to break their fast during assessments which take place during Ramadaan, according to Safira Govender, chairperson of the Muslim Student Association of SU (MSA)
A prayer facility is available in the Neelsie Student Centre, provided by the university, which allows Muslim students with a space to conduct their mandatory or missed prayers, said Stellenbosch Unversity spokesperson Martin Viljoen. PHOTO: Takudzwa Pongweni
“The draft interfaith guidelines that were developed in 2020 have been used by the Registrar’s Office to try and accommodate each religious belief as far as possible,” said SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen via email correspondence with MatieMedia. SU respects the religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds of all staff and students, said Viljoen.
Some Muslim students from Stellenbosch University (SU) have expressed concerns regarding SU’s Ramadaan policy, which provides Muslim students a 10-minute concession to break their fasts during tests and examinations. “If your faith is important, you should be able to make it a priority,” said Aaliyah Haron, a third-year BAcc student at SU. PHOTO: Takudzwa Pongweni
The ten minute concession
Govender explained that there is no official policy regarding the breaking of fasts and that the university has been very accommodating. “It is not a train smash, […] Yes, we would love more time to make our Salaah [prayer], but one can make wudhu [ablution] before the test or after – and make their Salaah [prayer] within the waqt [prescribed time],” said Govender.
Muhammed Aasim Khan, head of Islamic Education at SU, expressed similar sentiments. “In my opinion, the concession is more than enough,” said Khan. “You break the fast with something small, a date or some water and a prayer that takes about 5 minutes,” he said.
Eid concerns
Govender and Khan agreed that, when it comes to breaking fasts, the university is accommodating. However, they felt that the university is not as accommodating when it comes to Eid.
Govender explained that, as the MSA, they are satisfied with the concessions. “The more pressing issue is the university scheduling assessments on Eid,” said Govender.
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of two holidays celebrated by Muslims after a month of fasting, said Khan.
Safira Govender, chairperson of the Muslim Stellenbosch Association of Stellenbosch University (MSA), explains how Eid celebrations work. AUDIO: Takudzwa Pongweni
Over the last few years, the university has been scheduling assessments on Eid, said Govender. “We have been in conversation with the university to try and ensure that this does not happen again in the future,” explained Govender.
A lack of understanding regarding how Eid works is the reason for this problem, said Govender. “I would say they are trying – but they are not trying to their fullest.”
Students’ views
Despite MSA’s stance, some Muslim students have voiced concerns regarding the concessions.
Aaliyah Haron, a third-year BAcc student at SU, believes 10 minutes is not sufficient as one cannot eat, pray and take ablution within that time.
There have been inconsistencies with lecturers and departments implementing this concession, according to some students. Thaahir Samsodien, a second-year BCom business management student at SU, explained that three of his lecturers told him they are sticking to the rule, while one lecturer was understanding and allowed him to write earlier.
These concessions have not always been offered, said Riaz Paleker, an economics honours student at SU. “[…] It is quite a new thing but it is nice that they are keeping it for this year,” said Paleker.
Students have also voiced concerns regarding assessments and classes scheduled on Eid. Haron wrote a test on Eid as a first-year student. “I just think let’s not have assessments in those three days,” she said.
“I do find it quite unfair considering that, for us, classes are not recorded so we will miss an entire day of lectures,” said Samsodien.
Riaz Paleker, a Stellenbosch University (SU) economics honours student, explains his feelings regarding accommodations for Muslim students during Ramadaan. AUDIO: Takudzwa Pongweni