Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint, generosity, and building a closer personal relationship with God.
At each sunset during Ramadan, Muslims have "iftar," a meal that breaks the fast. It is a time for food, community, prayer, and fellowship. This year, the St. Louis Muslim community are working to build bridges of peace and mutual understanding by encouraging peoples of all faiths and the general public to join together in the breaking of the fast with their Muslim neighbors.
Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the "five pillars" of Islam.
"Everyone in the Muslim community is very excited to share Ramadan," said Nauman Wadalawala, board member of IFGSTL and a member of the organizing committee. "During a time of so many misconceptions of Islam and American Muslims I believe the best way to build peace, tolerance and understanding within a society is for people to interact with one another. What better way of doing that then having people participate in the breaking of the fast?"
The evening will include a guided tour of the Islamic Center, presentations about Ramadan, breaking of the fast meal, sunset Muslim prayers and then dinner. There will also be Islamic Information tables, writing names in Arabic, hand art known as Henna, and cultural tables.
"Ramadan is a month that is a blessing for everyone” said Mufti Asif Umar, Imam of IFGSTL. “By holding this annual event and allowing our congregation to invite their friends, neighbors, co-workers and the general public is a positive step in clearing misconceptions and building bridges”.
"One of our goals is to counter the growing trend of Islamophobia,” said Faizan Syed, executive director of CAIR-St. Louis. "This is an amazing opportunity for the public to get to know their Muslim neighbors and counter Islamophobia."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 636-207-8882, 314-330-2946, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.