Midn. 2/C Zishan Hameed reads a passage from an English translation of the Qur’an at the Academy’s Iftar celebration Sept. 14. USNA photo by MCSN Patrick Green.

During the Islamic month of Ramadan, Muslims break their fast with the traditional Iftar meal, occurring after Maghrib, or sunset.

‘‘This event was huge, in terms of being a cultural event, and that was the goal,” said Midn. 1⁄C Matthew Graham, president of the Middle Eastern Studies Club. ‘‘It’s so apparent that there’s little knowledge about the Islamic faith and Muslim identity around the world, especially with the Midshipmen here. That was really the motivation for us to go out and do this event.”

Amongst the special guests, which included members of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel Muslim societies, Naval Academy Commandant Capt. Matthew Klunder was present.

Klunder recognized Jewish chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Seth Phillips for his ongoing efforts to enable the Midshipmen to practice their faiths, a process the Academy is continuing to improve.

Graham described that because the time for the Muslim Midshipmen to break their fast occurred after King Hall’s normal dinner hour, having Iftar proved to be a difficult process in the past. But thanks to efforts from the Mids and faculty, it’s beginning to change.

‘‘Last year, there were a lot of issues,” said Graham. ‘‘This year it’s very different; every evening they’ve got food that’s been brought in and everything they need to set it up, which is awesome.”

Graham said that the values derived from observing Ramadan don’t only serve religious benefits, but the teachings can apply to personal and professional development as well.

‘‘It’s not just a religious thing, it’s a life thing,” said Graham. ‘‘The more you can understand, the better you are as a person, a leader and an officer and not just of the Navy, but an officer in the world where we’re going to be serving – anywhere, with any type of people, whether it is our Army, our military or someone else’s.”

Graham hopes that his club will host more events like this, opening people’s eyes to the diversity of the Academy and encouraging others to learn about various cultures and faiths.

‘‘As we advance in rank, we’re going to meet with leaders from these other countries, and you’ve got to have that basic understanding,” said Graham.