Ramadan is a fast
09.07.2009
Catholics and Muslims come together to share a meal and pray
at Ramadan.
Each evening during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, Muslims have a ceremony called 'Iftitar.' The fast is a day's abstinence from all foods and liquids including water from sunrise to sunset. It is a demanding spiritual exercise.
Our parish team in Badin, Sindh Province, Pakistan sponsored a special 'Iftitar' gathering. Towards the end of Ramadan, we invited our local Muslim neighbour to the Church compound as a sign of support. The fasting exercise had commenced before sunrise at 5:30am and ended after sunset at 7:00pm. Sirens and loudspeakers declared the opening and closing times of the fast.
Our 'Iftitar' guests arrived in the evening led by the mulvi (prayer leader) of the local mosque, Abdul Iafoor.
Before entering the church we removed our shoes as a sign of respect to the holy place. The Stations of the Cross give rise to questions about the prophet Jesus and his mother, Mary. At mention of their names, Muslims follow the tradition of adding with respect "May peace be upon them."
We moved to the dining room, where on hearing the siren our guests uttered their traditional prayers. We broke the fast by eating dates and fruit washed down with sweet drink.
Then we proceeded to the nearby mosque where our guests joined the wider Muslim body for the evening prayer session. Many men came rushing to the mosque so as not to be late.
Children brought food so that no one would go hungry.
A feature of their prayer is the many body movements and deep bowing. After prayers they invited me inside the mosque and showed me around. Then we returned to the parish house for the main meal. Catechist Tony Kajou prayed the grace, the mulvi shared a reflection and thanksgiving prayer. They certainly ate well.
Ramadan runs for about 30 days and ends with the feast of Eid-ul-Fitr. The actual day on which to complete the fast depends on sighting the new moon. When sighted, loud sirens declare that the fasting days are over. The next day is celebrated with large prayer gatherings, followed by family feasting and fraternity.
This dialogue has certainly helped facilitate bonds of friendship and solidarity among us. I thank God for the privilege of being part of this sharing. On returning to Badin last month after being home in New Zealand with my dear mother who went to her eternal reward, the first person to greet me was Ramzan. He is a Muslim who attended the 'Iftitar' party.
He warmly welcomed me home to Badin outside the mosque. He offered sympathy and prayed for the eternal life of the soul of my beloved Mum.
Fr Daniel O'Connor has recently returned to Sindh Province, Pakistan from New Zealand.
