Ramadan is the holiest month of the year on the Muslim calendar, observed as a time for reflection, prayer, purification, and charitable acts. In 2023, Ramadan in the United States will begin on the evening of Wednesday, March 22, and continue through Friday, April 21. Eid al-Fitr is the three-day celebration of the end of this fasting period.
Fasting during Ramadan from sunrise to sunset is one of the five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, suhur or suhoor is the meal eaten before dawn to start the day; iftar is the meal that breaks the fast.
Dining options
On-Campus
Schenley Cafe
Halal-certified beef is available at True Burger and PA Taco in Schenley Cafe (inside the William Pitt Union). Schenley Cafe closes at 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and at 5 p.m. Fridays.
The Eatery
Iftar at Za’atar (located inside The Eatery at Litchfield Towers) will be serving Halal-certified meals and will be open everyday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Milk and dates will be available daily at The Eatery cashier stand to serve as a fast break for students.
Suhoor Packs
For the entirety of Ramadan, Pitt Eats will be providing suhoor packs for students to pick up each evening to consume the next morning. The suhoor packs are designed to provide all-day energy and are high in protein, electrolytes, and fiber. Only students on a meal plan are eligible.
- Regular Pack: Highlights include fresh fruit, Chobani vanilla Greek yogurt, vegetables with hummus, hard-boiled eggs, and oatmeal
- Vegan Pack: Highlights include fresh fruit, Chobani oat yogurt, vegetables with hummus, dates, and plain bagels
Sign up using this link to pre-order meals (only students on a meal plan are eligible). Pickup between 7 and 10 p.m. at Towers Market. Students must submit their suhoor pack request by 11:59 p.m. the night before pickup. Weekend needs must be picked up on Friday evening for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday suhoor packs.
Off-Campus
Halal Guys, 3621 Forbes Ave., accepts Panther Funds. Hours are 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Omar’s Halal Grill, 4208 Forbes Ave. (Schenley Plaza). Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Shah's Halal Food, 412 Semple St., accepts Panther Funds. Hours are 12 noon to 2 a.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays.
Shah’s Express (formerly Halal Pitt), cart at the corner of Fifth Avenue and North Bouquet Street, accepts Panther Funds. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
Prayer space
There is a non-denominational Reflection Room (Room 312) on the third floor of the William Pitt Union available for prayer and meditation. If you need additional space for prayer or mediation, please speak with a supervisor or building manager in the WPU.
Religious accommodations
Students who need religious accommodations during Ramadan or any religious observance should request them from faculty members as early as possible. For more information, visit the provost’s website. The faculty handbook has additional guidance.
Additional resources
- Islamic Center of Pittsburgh (4100 Bigelow Blvd.)
- Muslim Student Association at Pitt
Download an informational flyer with information (New 3-27-2023)
If you need additional information or assistance, please contact the Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at diversity@pitt.edu.