Ramadan, for those who follow the Islamic faith, is a month of fasting from all food and drink during daylight hours. At the end of each day, from the moment the sun sets, the fast is broken in a very symbolic way. This is usually done with water and a piece of fruit, with dates being a particular treat. This is followed by prayer time and, once thanks has been offered to God, the feasting can begin. This breaking of the fast is called Iftar.
Members of Holy Rood SVP Conference in Barnsley have been supporting and befriending a large group of asylum seekers from around the world who live in the UK and are staying in Home Office accommodation. The SVP members were very pleased to be invited to share Iftar by the leaders of a local mosque. What follows is one member’s reflection on the evening.
The community centre hosted us, the refugee council paid for a coach, and the Muslim community provided all the food and drinks. A local Afghan restaurant made all the amazing hot food. What a wonderful and special evening it was - everyone was made to feel so welcome, everyone was invited to join in giving thanks to God and to share in the feast.
Tables set and jugs of water at the ready, the plates of dates, grapes and melon were brought out of the kitchen. The anticipation was palpable as the countdown began, a quiet hush and then silence…the sunset!
As a white Christian woman, I was so unsure what I should do, but I was quickly given a job and made to feel like one of the family. Their love for God is evident, there is no doubting their faith and devotion, but Iftar is also about family, community and the connections shared with all of humanity.
After the prayer time, the feast was served - delicious hot spicy chicken, vegetable curry, rice, naan breads and all kinds of desserts, humbly served by volunteers from the restaurant, mosque and community centre, and all served with smiles and love. The noise level in the room suddenly went up to loud with laughter and chatter, and the smiles on the faces of the 40 people seeking asylum and refugees were beautiful.
I was humbled and honoured to have been invited to participate in the evening. The hugs from the other ladies there and the thanks I received from the Imam and the Muslim community will stay with me forever. The SVP was thanked for being kind to those seeking refuge in their town, thanked for taking time to spend an afternoon playing dominoes or cricket, and thanked for finding shoes, clothes and SIM cards for the young people. I know that this is the SVP Conference’s everyday work, but it means so much to the people we help and to the community who also call them brothers.
Never underestimate the power and gifts you share as Vincentians and followers of Christ.