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WAUKEE, Iowa — Students at Waukee’s high schools are planning a Ramadan Iftar on Friday evening to educate the community on their culture and religion.

Juniors Maryum Khan and Mais Homedan led their peers in hosting this event, which will be at Waukee High School’s cafeteria.

Last year, they organized a snack table to celebrate Eid, and they were inspired to go bigger this year for a Ramadan Iftar.

Ramadan is a month in the Islamic calendar when Muslims fast and focus on their character.

“It’s a lot more than just fasting. We have an increase in prayer, charity, self-reflection, and it’s really a time to prove ourselves as people, and work on our character,” said Mais.

Iftar is the breaking of the fast. It’s a meal that they have at sunset. Maryum said it’s typically broken with water and a date.

“As a child, most Muslims felt, kind of, out of place because we never really had any conversations or celebrations regarding our own faith. So, this is just a big deal to us,” said Maryum.

She said she’s grateful the Waukee Community School District allows them to share their culture.

Mais said, “This event is essential, I think, especially at a school. We’re the only Muslims that a lot of these students know and these students are the future. And I think it’s especially important to educate the younger generation so that we can have a brighter, better future with a more understanding, positive, open-minded community.”

They said their Muslim community volunteered to help with the food. There will be Arabic, Indian, and American cuisine.

They plan to organize a Ramadan Iftar every year and hope to partner with local businesses in the community next year.

Their goal is to inspire other school districts to host events similar to this one to represent their student body better.

“This is like one small step for Waukee and one large leap for Iowa,” said Maryum.