The Austin Student

(weekly independent Texas student newspaper)

October 14, 2004

An Interfaith Fast-Breaking

The month of Ramadan begins October 15. Muslims all over the world, including this country, revere this holy month. Ramadan is a month of patience-based training, a physical and spiritual diet. Believers refrain from bodily desires (such as eating, drinking, sexual intercourse) and bad habits (i.e. smoking, gossip, lying) from sunrise to sunset. Although the absolute withdrawal from all vices and vanity is essential, avoiding eating and drinking is the most recognized principle of the fast.

Each evening Muslims gather around a dinner table with friends and family in order to wait for the end of the fast, which is precisely the minute of sunset. Drinking or eating even a morsel before the exact fast-breaking time would annul the fast. This disciplined self-restraint is a major principle of fasting which lasts for approximately 12-15 hours a day.

Muslims invite friends and family for a fast breaking dinner in their own homes or at restaurants. The intention is to share this special time and give thanks for the blessings one receives.

In such an atmosphere one may contemplate not only on what a blessing a piece of bread, or a glass of water actually is, but also realize the blessing of friendship and sharing.

Our hectic lifestyles usually do not permit time and opportunity to realize the blessings that surround us. Just as water quenches our thirst and food nourishes our bodies the special warmth that family and friends provide us with is easily overlooked. The communal dinner gives us the opportunity to count our blessings, even the ones we customarily fail to see.

One recognizes the basic feelings like hunger, thirst, and the need for companionship in all human beings, no matter what their religion or beliefs may be. Our common values and needs should produce a desire for union rather than separation.

Thus Muslims are opening more room at their dinner tables, including non-Muslim neighbors and members of the community. This function of the Ramadan fast has been highlighted by Islamic and interfaith organizations.

The Institute of Interfaith Dialog (IID), along with the Islamic Dialogue Student Association (IDSA) at UT Austin have been organizing all-embracing interfaith fast-breaking dinners. IID promotes interfaith activities in Texas. The Islamic Dialogue Student Association is a UT student group that emphasizes the importance of dialog between people of diverse religious backgrounds.

The first dinner in Austin was in 2003. Many people of various backgrounds attended the dinner. Fasting is not a prerequisite but highly encouraged for the day of the event to arise a feeling of empathy.

This year, the Institute and IDSA plan to hold a second annual fast breaking dinner at the Marriott Hotel, November 7. A great number of community organizations and religious groups will be sponsoring the event, including Austin Area Interreligious Ministries, various churches, synagogues and temples.

It is expected that this new tradition of interfaith fast breaking will promote further understanding and friendship between the diverse religious communities in Austin, therefore richening our mutual experience of living together in this great city.