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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following a triumphant first Ramadan in March 2025, the University of Sheffield Arab Society\u2019s \u201cSalah and Sunsets\u201d 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 \u2013 the meal eaten at sunset to break their fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abdulrahman Elfarrash, 19, an Engineering student from Egypt, first launched the initiative during the festive period last year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: \u201cI established the \u2018Salah and Sunsets\u2019 initiative last year at the start of Ramadan within the Arab Society, but we didn\u2019t expect it to grow the way it did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Salah\u2019 (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\u2019s path away from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From speaking to him last year, Mr Elfarrash said: \u201cI know how misaligned and bored a lot of international students, such as myself, can get while living away from home for university.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI pushed for a fortnightly hike to the Peaks and we have anywhere from ten to 30 plus students coming along each time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turkish born Maria Ali, 21, and this year\u2019s social media officer for the Arab society, said the response last year surpassed expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s honestly such a beautiful thing that more international folk are exploring this country, as many typically wouldn\u2019t have considered venturing outside the central areas of Sheffield specifically to visit the Peaks,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt shows how spiritually and socially refreshing this initiative is, and that\u2019s why it was so important for us to bring it back this year,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Omar Alaziz, 20, from Jordan, previously participated in the hikes. He said the initiative has been the highlight of his time at university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUpon arriving in the UK for the first time, the grey and cold bitterness can seriously pull you down, especially if you aren\u2019t used to it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have also found that it\u2019s slightly difficult to make proper friends from different cultures outside of your course if you don\u2019t party or drink.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThankfully, I discovered this group.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the return of \u2018Salah and Sunsets\u2019 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\u2019s most scenic backdrops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n