DRT

During most of March, Muslims worldwide will be observing Ramadan, which begins this year at sundown on March 10 and ends at sundown on April 9. Most of us probably don’t know very much about Ramadan. According to Islamic Networks Group (ING), Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims and is a time of intense spiritual rejuvenation. “In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.” During this month, Muslims spend extra time in prayer and reading the Qur’an. The last day is called Eid ul-Fitr and is a major holiday, celebrated with gifts, food, community gatherings, and special prayers.

A program coordinated by the Minnesota Council of Churches and the Muslim American Society of Minnesota provides the opportunity for non-Muslims to experience a little bit of Ramadan and learn more about it. Called Taking Heart, the long-running program brings Christians and members of other faith communities together with Muslims for food and conversation by sharing an iftar, which is the evening meal to break the daily fast. The two iftars being offered by mosques close to Northfield are:

• South Metro Islamic Center in Rosemount, March 26 at 5:30 pm

• Faribault Islamic Center, March 28 at 6:00 pm

You can find out more about these events and register for one of them—or one of the others offered throughout the metro area—at mnchurches.org/what-we-do/taking-heart.

If you want to greet your Muslim neighbors during Ramadan, you can say “Ramadan Mubarak” (“blessed Ramadan”) or “Eid Mubarak” (“blessed holiday”).