CAIR Offers Guide to Help Muslims Share Ramadan with Neighbors

Fast-breaking 'iftars' designed to enhance interfaith understanding

News provided by

Council on American-Islamic Relations

Jun 28, 2013, 12:50 ET

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today urged Muslim communities nationwide to reach out to their neighbors of all beliefs and backgrounds by inviting them to take part in an interfaith "iftar," or fast-breaking meal, during the upcoming month-long fast of Ramadan.

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. It is estimated to begin July 9 this year.

To assist local Muslim community leaders, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has produced a "Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2013" that offers step-by-step advice on hosting an interfaith iftar.

SEE: CAIR Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2013
http://www.cair.com/images/pdf/Sharing-Ramadan-2013.pdf

The resource guide includes instructions on forming a "Sharing Ramadan" committee, a sample media advisory for an iftar, advice on reaching out to local media, an advertisement for the event, text for a "Welcome to Our Ramadan Fast-Breaking" brochure, frequently-asked questions about Ramadan, and a sample event program and newspaper advertisement.

"The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said Ramadan 'is the month of sharing with others,'" said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. "All our research has shown that prejudice and stereotyping decrease when people of other faiths know more about Islam and interact with ordinary Muslims."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations