The IsIamic holy month of Ramadan ended last week. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink, not even water, from sunrise to sunset! That’s a very long time to go without food and drink – especially while still carrying on daily life. So breaking the fast at the Iftar meal at sunset is a special event.
I was honoured to be invited to share Iftar at the University of Surrey by the Muslim Chaplain Dr Husni Hammuda. The meal took place in a huge marquee and was hosted by the Surrey University Islamic Society. Hundreds of students, lecturers and guests broke their fast with dates and water before praying. Then followed a traditional meal of rice with chicken or a vegetarian option, women and men eating separately then ending with the evening prayer.
The students were in the middle of exams but most said that fasting was not difficult but concentrated the mind on revision without the distractions of mealtimes!
It was wonderful to see the friendship and sense of community among the students; the marquee was alive with chatter! I was made to feel very welcome – so hope to be invited back next year!
South East Methodist Refugee and Interfaith Work 