In a display of solidarity between Connecticut Muslims and non-Muslims, more than 100 individuals convened to share iftar meal and gain insight into the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
The Muslim Coalition of Connecticut hosted the event at Newington High School, which featured a panel discussion and Q&A, followed by a meal known as Iftar and a sunset prayer service.
“It’s all about the rituals, the prayer, all of that,” said Dr. Reza Mansoor, president of the Muslim Coalition of CT, WTNH reported.
“But really the most important thing in all of this is the spiritual connection with God.”
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Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, 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.
Gathering for iftar, the event was informational for Muslim families who are thousands of miles away from loved ones back home.
“A big part of [Ramadan] is visiting family, which a lot of families here don’t have,” said Maha Abdullah, a panelist during the event.
“So, you have to make it up as parents to show your kids that this is how we celebrate.”
It was also a connection to their non-Muslim neighbors, such as Donna Manocchio of West Hartford who attended the event to share bread with the local Muslim community.
“It just gives us some connection and some understanding about, you know, how we might be together in a spiritual practice,” Manocchio said.