Dinner celebrates diversity, breaking of Ramadan fast
Religion
J. Claire Wilson
Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: News
- < prev Page 2 of 2
Ramadan "is also a time of generosity," Ertem said. "Since Muslims in many parts of the world prepare and eat dinner at the same time during this month, Muslims often invite one another, friends and guests to share the evening meal and to exchange gifts and best wishes."
This aspect of community involvement drew many non-Muslim members of the community to the event.
"I wanted to gather with people of other religions, to see people come together harmoniously around a meal and contributing to peace," said Patricia Mikkelson.
When traveling through the Middle East, Mikkelson said, she was struck by the hospitality of Muslims who would invite her in to their homes. "Muslims were more likely than any other religious group I met to be so generous," Mikkelson said.
Many U.S. residents today do not have the same high opinion of Muslims, said Steven Smith, a professor in the communications department.
"It became evident today that we need to talk together," Smith said. "New Pew Group statistics show that in response to the question 'My religion has little or nothing in common with Islam,' 70 percent of Americans agreed, which is up from 55 percent two years ago."
Smith and his wife were able to travel to Turkey with IID. He said it was a "wonderful experience" for his family.
Not all U.S. residents are culturally aware of Ramadan, Al-Saleh said.
Like most people who are unfamiliar with this month, Americans usually show surprise for the act of fasting," Al-Saleh said. Because "they believe it is hard and long."
"Once I had a non-Muslim American friend who fasted the entire month, and told me that Ramadan changed her clothes. They did not fit any more, for she lost a lot of weight," Al-Saleh said. The lack of U.S. citizens' knowledge about Ramadan is "understandable," he said.
This aspect of community involvement drew many non-Muslim members of the community to the event.
"I wanted to gather with people of other religions, to see people come together harmoniously around a meal and contributing to peace," said Patricia Mikkelson.
When traveling through the Middle East, Mikkelson said, she was struck by the hospitality of Muslims who would invite her in to their homes. "Muslims were more likely than any other religious group I met to be so generous," Mikkelson said.
Many U.S. residents today do not have the same high opinion of Muslims, said Steven Smith, a professor in the communications department.
"It became evident today that we need to talk together," Smith said. "New Pew Group statistics show that in response to the question 'My religion has little or nothing in common with Islam,' 70 percent of Americans agreed, which is up from 55 percent two years ago."
Smith and his wife were able to travel to Turkey with IID. He said it was a "wonderful experience" for his family.
Not all U.S. residents are culturally aware of Ramadan, Al-Saleh said.
Like most people who are unfamiliar with this month, Americans usually show surprise for the act of fasting," Al-Saleh said. Because "they believe it is hard and long."
"Once I had a non-Muslim American friend who fasted the entire month, and told me that Ramadan changed her clothes. They did not fit any more, for she lost a lot of weight," Al-Saleh said. The lack of U.S. citizens' knowledge about Ramadan is "understandable," he said.
Be the first to comment on this story