MINNESOTA MUSLIMS INVITE NEIGHBORS FOR INTERFAITH RAMADAN IFTAR MEAL

(SAINT PAUL, MN - For Immediate Release:  May 22, 2017)

Ramadan is the blessed month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunup to sundown. In 2017, Ramadan is on May 27 - June 25.

In 2017, Masjids and Islamic Centers across Minnesota are extending an invitation to their non-Muslim neighbors for a traditional Ramadan Iftar, or fast-breaking meal.

People of all faiths or none are invited to experience one or more of the Ramadan open houses organized as part of the Taking Heart Open House program of the Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Muslim American Society and participating mosques in Minnesota.   

Taking Heart has been bringing Muslims and non-Muslims together for food and conversation for ten years. "In 2016 over 800 community members participated in Taking Heart during Ramadan. Our hope is that many more people will join us this year for an Iftar dinner, especially those who have never had the opportunity," said The Rev. Cynthia Bronson Sweigert, Taking Heart Organizer.

"Ramadan is a month of generosity and hospitality. We invite our neighbors to visit us and join us for a complimentary Iftar meal," said Imam Asad Zaman.

These events are free and open to the public but registration is required. Information and registration materials can be found on the Minnesota Council of Churches website.

List of upcoming Taking Heart events:

About Minnesota Council of Churches

The Minnesota Council of Churches' mission is to manifest unity in the church and to build the common good in the world. The Minnesota Council of Churches programs align with three broad categories: welcoming refugees, mobilizing the faith community to engage in public policy, and strengthening communities through relationships and understanding.  For more information, visit www.mnchurches.org.

About Muslim American Society MN

Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS-MN)  operates three Masjids (Islamic Centers) in Minnesota. MAS MN provides religious programming and youth programs. MAS MN is a community organization committed to making Minnesota a better place for all Minnesotans. MAS MN provides social services such as clinic and food shelves. A leader in interfaith dialogue, MAS MN is co-organizer of the Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar Open House program and the Rabbi Imam Round Table. MAS MN is committed to engaging the immigrant community in public policy and government affairs. MAS MN conducts events that educate and mobilize the community to participate in public affairs and civic activities on a non-partisan basis and to activate a new generation of community leaders.. For more information, visit www.masmn.org.

 

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CONTACTS:
Reverend Cynthia Bronson Sweigert
Taking Heart Organizer
Minnesota Council of Churches
[email protected]

P hone: 412-638-0680

Imam Asad Zaman 

Executive Director 

Muslim American Society of Minnesota 

[email protected] 

Phone: 612-964-5757

 

 

RELATED LINKS:

Taking Heart Registration Link:

http://www.mnchurches.org/respectfulcommunities/interfaithprogramming/takingheart/registration.html

What To Expect In A Masjid Primer:

http://www.mnchurches.org/respectfulcommunities/interfaithprogramming/takingheart/WhattoExpectattheMosque.html

Taking Heart Video Journal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72R5lv0J058