Niagara University in Ontario hosted about 40 faculty, administrators, and members of the local community at its third annual Ramadan Iftar on Monday, March 17.
Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk every Ramadan for 30 days. The dinner, which featured traditional foods, was served at sunset as the break of that fast.
“Ramadan, which began this year on March 1, is a period of worship, community, reflection, and self-discipline,” said Dr. Asma Ahmed, assistant professor of education, who coordinated the event with her colleagues Asad Choudhary and Khalid Mahamad. “Ultimately, we see it as a time to recalibrate and grow closer to God, aligning one's actions to serve humanity and as caretakers of the earth. It is a way to challenge materialism.”
The Iftar has been held for the past three years to provide an opportunity for individuals from different cultures to come together to explore and learn about Muslims and Islam, and to facilitate intercultural harmony and combat Islamophobic biases, said Dr. Ahmed.