The Peak District is yet again set to become a popular prayer destination for international Muslim students who discovered a piece of heaven away from home last year.
Following a triumphant first Ramadan in March 2025, the University of Sheffield Arab Society’s “Salah and Sunsets” initiative has returned this year. Students are once again gathering in large groups to hike to notable landmarks, such as Stanage and Bamford Edge, aiming to reach the summits by sunset in time for Maghrib (one of the five daily Islamic prayers) and Iftar – the meal eaten at sunset to break their fast.
Abdulrahman Elfarrash, 19, an Engineering student from Egypt, first launched the initiative during the festive period last year.
He said: “I established the ‘Salah and Sunsets’ initiative last year at the start of Ramadan within the Arab Society, but we didn’t expect it to grow the way it did.”
‘Salah’ (prayer) is a fundamental aspect of the Islamic faith. Mixing this religious obligation with the beauty of a trek in the Peaks was the vision Mr Elfarrash introduced in 2025. A vision that resonated with hundreds of students traversing life’s path away from home.
From speaking to him last year, Mr Elfarrash said: “I know how misaligned and bored a lot of international students, such as myself, can get while living away from home for university.”
“I pushed for a fortnightly hike to the Peaks and we have anywhere from ten to 30 plus students coming along each time.”
Since last year, the group has seen a significant rise in popularity and their membership figures have now tripled. They now have weekly hikes organised throughout the next month, hoping to develop the friendships and sense of belonging even further from 2025.
Turkish born Maria Ali, 21, and this year’s social media officer for the Arab society, said the response last year surpassed expectations.
“It’s honestly such a beautiful thing that more international folk are exploring this country, as many typically wouldn’t have considered venturing outside the central areas of Sheffield specifically to visit the Peaks,” she said.
“I know last year started a bit of a trend, but we have already filled up most of our hiking slots for the whole of Ramadan, which is pretty crazy.”
“It shows how spiritually and socially refreshing this initiative is, and that’s why it was so important for us to bring it back this year,” she added.
Omar Alaziz, 20, from Jordan, previously participated in the hikes. He said the initiative has been the highlight of his time at university.
“Upon arriving in the UK for the first time, the grey and cold bitterness can seriously pull you down, especially if you aren’t used to it,” he said.
“I have also found that it’s slightly difficult to make proper friends from different cultures outside of your course if you don’t party or drink.”
“Thankfully, I discovered this group.”
Mr Alaziz, originally from Bethlehem, Palestine and now living between his homes in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, said the hikes helped him build a circle he could rely on and also connected him with others from a similar background, helping him overcome the initial unfamiliarity since arriving in the UK in September 2024.
With the return of ‘Salah and Sunsets’ this Ramadan, organisers hope the Peaks will once again offer a safe space for new Muslim international students while encouraging their faith, fellowship and reflection against one of England’s most scenic backdrops.
To follow the initiative, visit @uosarabsoc on Instagram.