The month of Ramadan is just a few days away. The first day of fasting will be on Friday. Various mosques in the Twin Cities have teamed up with the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) again this year to welcome Minnesotans of all backgrounds to an Iftar meal (fast-breaking). Here is the press release of the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) that lists the nine mosques that will be holding Iftar gatherings. I encourage you to attend one of these events.
Taking Heart Ramadan Dinners Please join us for good food and conversation! People of all faiths are invited to one of nine Ramadan dinners organized by the Minnesota Council of Churches and metro-area mosques. For the second year, as our Muslim neighbors prepare for the sacred month of Ramadan this July, the Minnesota Council of Churches is excited to announce a series of open houses at area mosques organized by the council's Taking Heart program. Nine mosques and Muslim Community Centers throughout the Metro area will be welcoming their non-Muslim neighbors for a traditional Ramadan Iftar, or fast-breaking meal. Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunup to sundown. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the "five pillars" of Islam. Each day the fast is broken with a meal called Iftar. Taking Heart has been bringing together Muslims and non-Muslims for food and conversation for more than six years. "Last year more than 350 guests attended an iftar during Ramadan", said Gail Anderson, director of the program. "We hope that people who have never had an opportunity to visit a mosque before will come join us for dinner at a mosque in their neighborhood." The Minnesota Council of Churches has been involved in interfaith programming for more than two decades. The events are free and open to the public but registration is strongly encouraged. Information and registration materials can be found on the MCC website http://www.mnchurches.org/respectfulcommunities/interfaithprogramming/takingheart/registration.html. Hope to see you there! Wednesday, July 25, 7:45 p.m.
Masjid Al-Taqwa
1949 University Ave
St. Paul, MN 55401 Friday, July 27, 7:30 p.m.
Northwest Islamic Community Center
3300 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55477 Saturday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.
Islamic Center of Minnesota
1401 Gardena Avenue Northeast
Fridley, MN 55432 Saturday, July 28, 8:15 p.m.
Ja'afari Islamic Center
10301 Jefferson Highway
Brooklyn park, MN 55455 Monday, July 30, 7:30 p.m.
Masjid Al-Iman
1429 2nd St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413 Wednesday, August 1, 7:30 p.m.
Muslim American Society of Minnesota
4100 East 66th Street
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 Thursday, August 2, 7:30 p.m.
Dar Al Hijrah
504 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454 Friday, August 3, 7:30 p.m.
Burnsville Mosque
1351 Riverwood Drive
Burnsville, MN 55337 Thursday, August 9, 7:30 p.m.
Masjid Al-Rahman
Muslim Community Center
8910 Old Cedar Ave
Bloomington, MN 55425
