‘Giant family dinner’ for non-Muslims amid Ramadan
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/03/2025 (391 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
During Ramadan, Muslim families join together each evening for an iftar, or a breaking of the day-long fast, to eat, visit and tell stories.
Three organizations in Winnipeg want to share that experience with non-Muslims through a “sawa” or “together” potluck iftar.
The iftar, sponsored by Kahanee, Gaser (which means bridge in Arabic), and Mediation Services Winnipeg, will be held March 8 at 5 p.m. at the Ukrainian Labour Temple, 591 Pritchard Ave.
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Three local organizations are encouraging Muslims and non-Muslims to join in a “sawa” or “together” potluck iftar on March 8.
Izzy Hawamda of Gaser, an interfaith dialogue group that promotes awareness, dialogue, and empathy-building regarding Israel and Palestine, said the goal of the event is to enjoy good food and to get to know each other better.
“We want to create a welcoming space where people of all faiths or no faith can come together to get to know each other and have meaningful conversations,” he said, adding a special invitation is extended to people who have never been to an iftar.
“It’s a time to strengthen our bonds together as a community, particularly at this time as we see what is happening around us in the world,” he said. “Eating together is more needed now than ever before.”
Somia Sidiq of Kahanee, an organization that seeks to build peace through storytelling, food is a way for people from every culture to connect with each other.
“Food is a key piece of who we are in every community,” she said. “Our time together will be like a giant family dinner.”
The evening will include a prayer for the breaking of the fast and an explanation about Ramadan, which takes place from Feb. 28 to March 29.
Each day during the month-long religious event, Muslims don’t consume water or food from dawn to dusk. The goal is to deepen their spiritual connection through prayer, reflection and acts of charity to grow closer to God.
“Through food, we can come together to hear each other’s experiences and build our community,” said Hawamda. “We invite people to come and eat and get to know each other.”
The iftar is free of charge, but people are encouraged to take a dish to share (no pork). Those who want to attend must register by calling Mediation Services at 204-925-3410 or by visiting wfp.to/W5q.
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John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER
John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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