Ramadan and How You Can Participate
Peace Catalyst International exists to ignite local movements of Christians and Muslims (and others!) living together in peace and working together towards peace. To this end, our Muslim friends have graciously invited us to join them in fasting, praying, and eating together during one of their most holy times: Ramadan.
WHY RAMADAN?
Ramadan is one of the most important and holy seasons within the Islamic faith, during which Muslims around the world observe strict fasting from sunrise to sunset. Each Muslim who has reached puberty and is in good health is encouraged to fast. The sick and elderly, along with travelers, pregnant women, and those who are nursing are exempt - although they sometimes opt to make up for the missed fast days sometime in the future or help feed the poor. The first pre-dawn meal of the day during Ramadan is called suhoor. Each day’s fast is broken at sunset with a meal known as iftar.
PARTICIPATE WITH US!
Our friends have invited us to join them for Iftar dinners, and we'd love for you to be there. Throughout the month of June you can join us for an Iftar dinner with our Muslim friends in a few cities. Click here for more info and to tell us you're interested!
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