Exchanging traditions with other faiths, a lMuslim politician in Bangor, Maine, hosted a community gathering this weekend to foster a better understanding of Islam and help Mainers learn more about Ramadan.
Bangor School Committee chairperson Marwa Hassanien hosted the community iftar on Saturday amid efforts to educate people about the fasting month, News Center Maine reported.
“I thought, ‘This is wonderful,’” Hassanien said about her idea to host a communal gathering.
“It really gathers friends, and you share blessings, and you have a good time. I said, ‘You know, why don’t I do this with Ramadan? I’ve never done this before, and I don’t think it has been done here in Bangor.’
“I said, ‘I would love to extend an invitation to the community-at-large to come here to share the blessings [and] to really ask more questions because I do get a lot of questions about Ramadan.’”
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Understanding Ramadan
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint, and good deeds.
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Hassanien said Ramadan is a time of “God consciousness” filled with forgiveness and reflections on blessings in life.
She added that fasting is also a reminder about those who are less fortunate who go perpetually hungry.
Speaking about the invitation, she said opening her home is a way to share Ramadan blessings with others. These events also demystify the Islamic faith.
She added that she loves exchanges of fellowship with other faith traditions since her friends usually invite her to Christmas.
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