Stamford Event Unites Faiths for Ramadan

STAMFORD, Conn. (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - More than just Muslims gathered at the First Congregational Church of Stamford on Tuesday to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Interfaith Iftar. People of all different religions celebrated together and learned about the Islamic tradition.

“Maybe the world would get along better if we learned about each other,” said Pamela Groeschner, a member of Stamford Congregational Church, describing those who don't try to learn as “lazy.”

The Muslims who attended were happy to share their holiday with people of other faiths, said Zubaida Khan, one of the organizers of the Iftar. She said some people consider Muslims as evil because of 9/11, and although she believes more people know that is false.

“When they are speaking of peace, it’s not newsworthy,” Khan said. The Iftar was an event where Muslims could “redefine” themselves, she said.

The Iftar is when observant Muslims break the daily Ramadan fast at sundown, a statement said. During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, participating Muslims abstain from physical needs such as food and drink during daylight hours, as well as evil thoughts and actions.

The celebration of the Iftar started at sundown, when people were allowed to eat. The meal included dates, water, lassi (a yogurt/water mix drink), and somosa, an Indian dumpling. Then people prayed — optional for non-Muslims — before a fuller meal of lasagna, chicken, rice and much more was served.

“We have a very nice mixture of people, and a very nice mixture of food,” Khan said. People celebrate the Iftar in different ways, depending on their background and family traditions.

The Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut held the first Interfaith Iftar last summer to show their unity with Muslims, said the Rev. Kate Heichler, president of the council. The council made its decision after anti-Muslim rhetoric over a Mosque proposed for a site near Ground Zero in Manhattan, she said.

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