Hood International Student Services will host an Islamic tradition, Iftar, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26.
Iftar is the celebration of breaking the fast at sundown and only happens during the month of Ramadan in the Islamic religion.
Iftar will include a prayer at sundown, called adhaan, followed by drinking water and eating a date to break the fast. Imam Tarif Shraim, a Muslim chaplain at the University of Maryland College Park, will lead the prayer and talk about the religious importance of Ramadan.
Food will be provided and will include rice, dates, drinks, desserts, Arabic coffee and Halal food. Halal food is any meat from an animal that is slaughtered in an Islamic way, meaning the animal is killed with a quick cut to the throat while an Islamic prayer is being said.
There will be a professional Henna tattoo artist at the event as well.
This event is open to any Hood student and will take place on the second floor of the athletic center in the hospitality suite. There is a limited amount of seating, and it will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, make sure to register.
“Ramadan starts on the ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar,” said Amani Al-Dajane, director of international student services. She also explained that during the month of Ramadan, Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset for 29-30 days.
Those observing Ramadan cannot eat food, drink water, chew gum or smoke from sunrise to sundown during this month. There is an exception for people who are sick, children, up until the age of puberty, those who are traveling, and women on their period.
Al-Dajane said that it is a time to feel for people who are less fortunate and those that do not have food. “It is a time for spiritual enrichment,” she said.
Those who observe Ramadan might host an Iftar meal several times throughout the month of Ramadan to celebrate the breaking of the fast at sundown.
For additional information on this event or in regard to international student services email Al-Dajane at al-dejane@hood.edu.
Be the first to comment