Posted on Apr 15, 2023
As Ramadan nears an end, St. Louis Muslims want people of all faiths to enjoy iftars
724
15
3
5
5
0
During the holy month of Ramadan, Akbar Rashidi enjoys spending time with his family and friends at iftar celebrations — the evening meals people partake in to break their fasts. He talks with younger Muslims and catches up with old friends, but he also enjoys meeting people at dinners who are from different backgrounds and various faith groups.
“To come in here together and sitting with everybody is a big thing for us,” said Rashidi, 31. “If you look around here you don't just see all the Afghans. You see people from everywhere; everyone gets together.”
Muslims across the St. Louis region are encouraging people of all faiths to celebrate with them during evening iftar meals before the end of Ramadan next weekend. Observers gather at sunset for daily prayers, reflections and dinners at mosques, family homes or community centers. Most meals contain traditional foods with vegetables, potatoes, halal meats, fruits, chutneys, breads and sweets.
Anyone can take part in iftar celebrations. During Ramadan everyone should have an opportunity to eat because it is a season of giving and there are many dinners happening across the area, said Rashidi, a businessman who arrived from Afghanistan in 2001.
“To come in here together and sitting with everybody is a big thing for us,” said Rashidi, 31. “If you look around here you don't just see all the Afghans. You see people from everywhere; everyone gets together.”
Muslims across the St. Louis region are encouraging people of all faiths to celebrate with them during evening iftar meals before the end of Ramadan next weekend. Observers gather at sunset for daily prayers, reflections and dinners at mosques, family homes or community centers. Most meals contain traditional foods with vegetables, potatoes, halal meats, fruits, chutneys, breads and sweets.
Anyone can take part in iftar celebrations. During Ramadan everyone should have an opportunity to eat because it is a season of giving and there are many dinners happening across the area, said Rashidi, a businessman who arrived from Afghanistan in 2001.
As Ramadan nears an end, St. Louis Muslims want people of all faiths to enjoy iftars
Posted from news.stlpublicradio.org
St. Louis
Islam
Religion
Culture
Tradition
Posted 1 y ago
Responses: 3
4
4
0
3
3
0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."The Tunisian American used to celebrate iftar alone but now spends her evenings at iftar gatherings of family members or goes for an evening meal or an ice cream run with friends to talk about Ramadan and learn about other religions and traditions.
Last year, Khenissi hosted a webinar for people to learn about Ramadan. She sold tickets and donated the proceeds to the International Institute of St. Louis. She hopes her lessons will help people understand other religions.
“I've been using it kind of like a tool because I know that my friends and people want to learn and want to be a part of it,” she said. “They just don't want to be offensive if they ask a question.”
..."The Tunisian American used to celebrate iftar alone but now spends her evenings at iftar gatherings of family members or goes for an evening meal or an ice cream run with friends to talk about Ramadan and learn about other religions and traditions.
Last year, Khenissi hosted a webinar for people to learn about Ramadan. She sold tickets and donated the proceeds to the International Institute of St. Louis. She hopes her lessons will help people understand other religions.
“I've been using it kind of like a tool because I know that my friends and people want to learn and want to be a part of it,” she said. “They just don't want to be offensive if they ask a question.”
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
Off-topic…Ukraine’s president Zelensky hosted an iftar for his country’s Muslim soldiers.
https://ummid.com/news/2023/april/12.04.2023/in-ukraines-first-zelensky-shares-ramadan-iftar-with-muslim-soldiers.html
https://ummid.com/news/2023/april/12.04.2023/in-ukraines-first-zelensky-shares-ramadan-iftar-with-muslim-soldiers.html
In Ukraine's first, Zelensky hosts Ramadan Iftar for Muslim soldiers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday April 7, 2023 celebrated Ramadan and hosted official Iftar with Ukrainian Muslim soldiers who were observing fast during the Holy Month.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google