Dinner celebrates Ramadan

By: Liesl Dalpe

Posted: 11/18/02

On Thursday night, the Muslim Student Assoc. held a dinner to celebrate Ramadan, which began November 6th. Ramadan is the month on the
Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. The fast is used to teach discipline, self-control and generosity, while also obeying the commandments given to them by God. Fasting is one of the "five" pillars of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told his companions: "God has said: 'Fasting is like a shield. A person who fasts experiences two joys. He is joyful when he breaks his fast, and he is joyful when he meets his Lord.'" (Hadith Qudsi, Hadith 10). "Muslims look forward to Ramadan as a period of spiritual reflection and renewal. It is also a time when people of other faiths can learn more about Islam and the American Muslim community," said Omar Ahmad, board chairman of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group.

The dinner itself was extremely well organized, beginning with a recitation of the Holy Quran. The recitation itself, which was in Islam, was meaningful even to those who could not understand the words as it demonstrated the beauty and elegance of the language which had a melody like singing. The tables were beautifully set up, and the traditions and purposes of Ramadan where explained to those who came to understand it. One such tradition was that there was a dish of dates in the center of the table, as one should break the fast with a date. Ramadan happens on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and involves fasting from sunup to sundown each day. This teaches self-discipline, as well as strengthening the relationship with God, focusing on morals and as a time to be thankful. Doaa Ammar, one of the speakers, talked about the teaching of Islam: peace, mercy, and self worth. Chancellor Peterson also spoke, saying that we need to "focus on the shared values of peace, justice and diversity." He hoped that this dinner would help to make Uconn a model of diversity and understanding, educating people about different religions and ways of life.

The group that attended the dinner varied in age and ethnic background, as not only students but also alumni and friends of those involved came together. The food was excellent, having some traditional dishes as well as some that were not. "This is my first time to something like this, and I feel very comfortable. Right from the beginning everyone was so welcoming," said Ulrike Wiebusch, one who attended. Afterward, Zaid Shaker spoke. Shaker is an accomplished artist, poet and written several Islamic publications, as was outlined in his biography presented on the tables. He emphasized how the dinner was a multi cultural, multi ethnic, multi religious assembly, saying that it is significant because "we live in a time when the winds of bigotry are blowing...this gives us faith that the forces behind these winds...are weakening." He described that the tradition of Islam is one that is very rich, very deep, and one with a very varied heritage, and outlined the three most important aspects of the religion: to preserve religion, life, and the intellect, faith, and inner excellence. "Islam and Muslims, like all other people are trying to make this world a better place," Shaker told his audience. The entire dinner experience was an excellent one, as it helped lift the shroud of naivete for the people who attended, helping to banish misunderstanding about a culture and religion so beautiful and rich. It is experiences like these bring people of all different cultures and backgrounds together, to learn about one another and foster new friendship and