OBAT's interfaith iftar

On June 7, the Interfaith Center was scene for one of the most engaging interfaith events seen in Central Indiana. Three things came together to make this event possible:

1. It is the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, the fast is broken with water and dates, prayer, and a meal that is called an iftar.
2. A graduate class in Indiana University’s School for Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) was discussing Muslims in American Politics, a particularly important topic in times of Islamophobia and anxiety about extremism.
3. OBAT Helpers, the only group in North America to help and empower one of the most marginalized groups in Bangladesh, wished to show what Ramadan’s ideals of compassion for the poor and empathy for the vulnerable means in real life. (John Clark is both professor of the SPEA class and executive director of OBAT Helpers.)

The class and discussion was open to everyone, students, Muslims, and members of the curious public. The evening started with mixed tables of Muslims and non-Muslims discussing what Islam means in the 21 st century. They discussed questions such as:

• Why do some Muslim women cover their heads with a hijab? Is it a sign of male oppression?
• How do Muslims in Indiana view Islamic extremists in Syria, Libya, and Europe?
• Have you experienced incidents of anti-Muslim discrimination or animosity?
• Why did you convert to Islam?

Halfway through the discussion, Muslims were encouraged to move to different tables in order to give non-Muslims a different perspective on their questions.

As the discussion continued, the room was filled with Muslims and their non-Muslim friends who came for the iftar.

An explanation of the meaning and significance of Ramadan was led by Sonni Wesling, and Amanda Doty, two volunteers for OBAT Helpers who have recently converted to Islam. Sonni and Amanda helped organize the (iftar.)

Saima Hassan of OBAT Helpers (who, with OBAT intern Joshua Hornberger, also helped organize the event) shared why Ramadan is important for OBAT:

• Most of OBAT’s work is with the most impoverished people in Bangladesh, people who have been stranded in squalid camps since 1971. Most of them are Muslims, which means this is a special month for them.
• Fasting during Ramadan is intended to generate a sense of empathy with the poor and hungry. Muslims are talk to be particularly generous this month, and are given extra blessing for acts of compassion during Ramadan. That makes this month particularly important for OBAT’s fundraising for the poor in Bangladesh.
• OBAT Helpers is an organization entirely on the principle of compassion for the weak and vulnerable, so it can give non-Muslims an idea of compassion in practice looks like.

The fast at the Interchurch Center was broken in the traditional manner, with dates and water. (Dates were the prophet Mohammed favorite, and they have been proven by science to be particularly healthy in breaking a 17 hour fast. Plus they are very tasty.)

Muslims were called to prayer by Nadir Mitiche, a student form IUPUI.

Before praying, Muslims go through ablution, a rite of purification. Imam Anisse Adni of Masjid al-Fajr demonstrated what ablution involves.

Prayer took place in Krannert Hall. Non-Muslims were allowed to watch, and some even joined their Muslim friends in praying.

For many, it was the first time to watch people other faith engaged in prayer.

Then it was time to eat! OBAT Helpers organized a lavish spread of tasty food from many Muslim cultures.

The restaurants Chiapatis and Sahara generously donated the food. Central Indiana residents: Eat at these excellent restaurants!

The high point of the evening, many said, was continuing discussions over food.

Why was this an important event? For many non-Muslims, it was a first:

• The first time they could ask questions of Muslim Hoosiers without being afraid of seeming ignorant or offensive.
• The first time they heard of OBAT Helpers, a most impressive organization headquartered in the Indiana Interchurch Center.
• The first time they heard a Muslim call to prayer, and observe Muslims praying.
• The first time they tasted Kabsa, Arabian chicken and rice. (Thanks again, Sahara!)

Some participants, such as Nigerian Ali Shafie (who attended with his wife and children), said the event was “perfect.” So perfect that Ali and others have offered to organize another interfaith iftar on Wednesday June 29. Stand by to learn details about how you can be involved.