FLORIDA – The Bay County Islamic Society, Florida, are inviting the whole community to share the experience of Ramadan in an open iftar next June 6.

“For twelve years, the Bay County Islamic Society has welcomed friends, neighbors, and colleagues to share the experience of Ramadan with local Muslims,” the Islamic center wrote on the event page.

“We are honored to invite you to the 13th Annual Sharing Ramadan.

“Sharing Ramadan is a formal evening event that provides a chance to sit with local Muslims over a great program and a delectable meal. It is a great educational and cultural experience that has left thousands of guests with wonderful memories.”

The iftar, planned next June 6 at the Sheraton Bay Point Resort, is expected to draw more than 400 visitors.

The Bay County Islamic Society is a non-profit organization of Muslims dedicated to worshipping their Lord, educating themselves to better understand their faith, and providing services to Muslims in the Panama City and surrounding communities.

Ramadan dinner or Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.

Muslims break their fast at the time of the call to prayer for the evening prayer. It’s one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together.

Many Muslims believe that feeding someone iftar as a form of charity is very rewarding and was practiced by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

During the holy month, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds.

It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur’an.

Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.