Faculty's Iftar 2026
Faculty of Humanities
- Date
- 17 March 2026
- Time
- 17:45 -20:30
- Location
- BG 3
- Room
- VOX-POP (Ground floor)
While rooted in the tradition of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, this gathering centres on universal values such as reflection, community, and generosity. It offers a welcoming space to share a meal and connect across backgrounds and perspectives within our Faculty.
The event is open to all students and colleagues of the Faculty, Muslim and non-Muslims, regardless of background or beliefs. It is organised in close collaboration with the Faculty’s Diversity Office and students from the Arabic Language and Culture programme.
Ramadan and Iftar
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calender and is practiced by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting. From dawn until sunset, able-bodied Muslims abstain from food and drinks and are encouraged to engage in practices that foster spiritual growth, self-discipline, and religious reflection, such as prayer, introspection, and charitable giving.
Iftar is the meal by which the fast is broken at sunset, traditionally with dates and water or milk. While deeply spiritual in nature, Iftar also carries strong cultural significance reflected in its diverse dishes and generous hospitality. More than simply a meal, Iftar is a moment of reflection, unity, gratitude, and solidarity with those in need.
Practical information
This year, the Iftar will take place on 17 March at VOX-POP (Binnengasthuisstraat 9, ground floor BG3).
Cultural programme: The event starts with a small cultural programme with poetry by Rihab el Majdoubi, a minilecture by Liana Saif and an introduction by Mohamed El-Hirech.
Food: The food is prepared by Indonesian cook Nani, who will make dishes especially suited for Iftar. All food will be halal and vegetarian as well as vegan options are available.
Entrance: Entrance is free, however, due to limited capacity we kindly ask you to registrate.
Quiet spaces: There are designated quiet spaces available where you can step away and take a moment if needed.
Programme overview
17.45 - 18.15 Walk in
18.15 - 18.30 Introduction by Mohamed El-Hirech
18.30 - 18.35 Poetry by Rihab el Majdoubi
18.35 - 18.55 Mini lecture by Liana Saif
+/- 18.55 breaking the fast (Depending on the exact time of sunset on that day)
19.00 - 21.00 Traditional Indonesian Iftar food by Toko Nani
Liana Saif recently joined the Centre for the Study of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents as Assistant Professor in the History of Esotericism in the Middle Ages. Saif’s work focuses on Islamic esotericism and the occult sciences, with a special interest in the exchange of esoteric and occult knowledge between the Islamic and Latin worlds.
Rihab, Young Poet of the Netherlands, is a versatile poet and spoken word artist who writes and performs from a place of deep reflection on life and the world around her. She has appeared on a range of stages, from Poetry International to Ruigoord. In her work, she explores personal stories, everyday observations and social issues, always with a sharp eye and an open heart.
My name is Nani and I come from Pematang Siantar in North Sumatra. Love eventually brought me to the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, I worked as a coordinator on Prinsengracht for 21 years. All that time, I had a dream: to start my own Indonesian Toko, but because I had been working for the same company for so long, I never dared to take the plunge—until COVID-19 came along.
I lost my job, but that also gave me the opportunity to follow my heart. That was the start of Toko Nani. Every Saturday and Sunday, I park my food truck at Karwei on Klaprozenweg in Amsterdam-Noord. During the week, I'm busy with catering, and sometimes I'm at festivals to share my Indonesian dishes with even more people. You don't have to fly to Indonesia for good food!
