US Ramadan Iftar for Non-Muslims

Capitalizing on the holy fasting month's spirit of sharing and seeking to enhance understanding of their faith, American Muslims in South Jersey region organized a collective iftar that joined them with their non-Muslim neighbors.
"The idea is just to share with our non-Muslim community the meaning of Ramadan," Rafey Habib, a member of the Islamic Center of South Jersey, told the Courier Post Sunday, August 30.
"It's a time of giving and it's a time of sharing."
Celebrating the advent of Muslims’ holy month, the Center opened its doors to the area’s non-Muslims to share iftar banquets with members of the Muslim community.

When the sunset fell, guests watched as Muslims gathered for Maghreb prayer, the fourth of the five daily Muslim prayers.
After the prayer, everyone gathered on the banquet for the meal by which Muslims break their day-long fast.
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, started on Saturday, August 22, in South Africa, where Muslims make up to 1.5 percent of a 44-million population.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Most dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through self-restraint, good deeds and prayer.

Non-Muslim visitors were greeted at the mosque with a brief introduction to Islam's holiest month, which marks the time when the Noble Qur’an was revealed to prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Badat said many non-Muslims also felt related to the aspect of Ramadan fast because fasting is practiced by many of the world's largest religions.