Finding common ground
Imam Arif Abdullah (left) and twins Isaiah (right) and Isma'il Calhoun greet friends before prayer during the Langston Ramadan Iftar Dinner 2011 at Langston University OKC campus in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman
During Ramadan, Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and sex during daylight hours. After the sun sets, they break the fast with a meal called Iftar. The breaking of the fast could happen at home with friends and family or in a more formal, banquet setting. Religious groups in Oklahoma City gathered this week for inter-faith Iftar dinners that featured local officials and community leaders.
At Langston University’s Oklahoma City Campus on Tuesday, Imam Arif Abdullah, from Masjid Mu’min, a Mosque in Northeast Oklahoma City, and Pastor George Young of Holy Temple Baptist Church, both spoke of togetherness and of finding common ground. Mohamed Elyazgi, an Oklahoma City resident who grew up in Libya, told me how fasting in the daylight hours helps remind him of what others don’t have. It’s a reminder to give to charities and appreciate God’s gifts.
Wednesday night, the Inaugural Capitol Interfaith Iftar featured perspectives on fasting by Rabbi Abby Jacobson, Pastor Young and Imam Imad Enchassi along with speeches by local political officials. Here are a few images from two of the recent Iftar ceremonies. You can always see photo galleries from The Oklahoman’s staff photographers by clicking here.
A group prays during the Capitol Interfaith Iftar at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, August 17, 2011. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Muslims pray while their Christian and non-Muslim guests get their meals (background) during the Langston Ramadan Iftar Dinner 2011 at Langston University OKC campus in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman
-John Clanton
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this is the spirit of islam and the blessing of Ramadan