The video of this event is now available. See below:
For the third consecutive year, Precious Blood Renewal Center and Dialogue Institute of Kansas join together to host an interfaith fast breaking celebration during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar runs from April 24 to May 23. During this time, Muslims around the world observe a dawn to dusk fast from food and water, “so that,” the Quran (the Muslim holy book) says, “so that you may be mindful of God.” (Quran 2:183)
The breaking of the fast, known as iftar, is normally a communal event for the extended family and the local community. Traditionally the fast is broken first with dates and then a celebratory dinner.
In past years, the Renewal Center hosted an iftar dinner for families associated with the Dialogue Institute of Kansas City. We’d share food and prayer and short talk about Islam and Ramadan. This year we will try to do this with a virtual iftar dinner:
May 5, Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m.
Join us via Zoom: bit.ly/34vI1sl
Of on YouTube: bit.ly/2VpuTRp and click “ Live”
We will join by video link Muslims families who are breaking their fasts. You may want to have a dinner or snacks to eat will joining us online. Details of the evening are below.
Scott C. Alexander, associate professor of Islamic Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, will give a presentation on the practice of fasting.
Ramadan encourages a focus on worship and spiritual discipline with the aim of improving behavior. Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying: “If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during the fast, then God does not care if he abstains from food and drink.”
Prophet Muhammad also instructed Muslims to feed the poor this month, thus alms giving, or charitable contributions have become an important tradition during Ramadan.
Additional resources:
Here is the outline of the evening: Community Virtual Iftars:
You can help promote this event by downloading this flyer and sharing it with family and friends.
Other organizations that are partnering with the Dialogue Institute to host Virtual Iftar Dinners are:
HOST GROUP | DATE | START TIME |
Holy Family Parish | April 28 | 7:30 p.m. CST |
Leawood United Methodist Church | April 30 | 7:30 p.m. CST |
Living Water Christian Church and Unification Family Life Center |
May 1 | 7:30 p.m. CST |
Precious Blood Renewal Center | May 5 | 7:30 p.m. CST |
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Habitat for Humanity |
May 6 | 7:30 p.m. CST |
Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council and Unity Village |
May 7 | 7:30 p.m. CST |
Disciples of Christ | May 12 | 7:45 p.m. CST |
Community Christian Church | May 15 | 7:45 p.m. CST |
St. Andrew Christian Church | May 20 | 7:45 p.m. CST |
Registration is not required, but you can let us know if you’re interested by completing the form below.
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