Peace Iftar

Salaam: Queer Muslim Community [www.salaamcanada.com] has been hosting 'Iftar' [breaking of the Fast dinner] during Ramadan since 2003.

It is with great happiness that this year, the Iftar is being co-sponsored by Muslim Canadian Congress. [www.muslimcanadiancongress.org].

Ramadan began on October 5, 2005 with the sighting of the new moon.

Ramadan is a month on the Muslim lunar calendar that begins from the flight of the Muslims from Mecca to Medina in search of Sanctuary and Human Dignity.

We are in the year 1426.

Ramadan is the month wherein the first verse of the Qu'ran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This verse is known as 'Iqra' or 'Read'.

Muslims around the World fast for the month. They fast from sunrise to sunset for 28 or 29 days, again depending on the sighting of the Moon.

Muslims fast from sunrise till sunset and abstain from food and liquid, including water. They also abstain from sex and smoking.

They are also supposed to avoid bad thoughts, foul humour and words and ill-will. A lie can break the fast.

The purpose of the Fast is to learn self restraint and humility as well as give thanks for what we have, knowing that many others have less.

We also Fast to celebrate the revelation of the Quran.

Salaam: Queer Muslim Community and Muslim Canadian Congress would like to invite our Members, allies and friends to participate with us in an "Iftar' or breaking of the Fast meal.

On October 29, 2005, the fast begins @ 6:28 a.m. and ends at 6:15 p.m.

The Peace Iftar will begin at 5:15 p.m. We will be playing traditional recitals from Muslim cultures. We ask that people arrive by 5:45 at the latest.

At 6:15 we will break the Fast together.

Participants are not expected to Fast, however, they are welcome to have done so if they are interested and able to do so.

The Iftar is open to all, Muslims and non-Muslims.

We will 'walk' participants through the ceremonies of the Fast, prayer and introduce them to foods from Muslim cultures that are also traditional foods during Ramadan.

Attendees are invited to bring a dessert and/or a non-alcoholic beverage if they wish.

Participants must confirm their participation by October 23, 2005 by sending an e-mail to:

peaceiftar@yahoo.ca. Please be sure to include your name and contact details. You will then be sent a confirmation including location.

A $5 donation is requested of those that are able.