March 1996 Interfaith Iftar Held at OSU

by Habiba Gaiter

The Muslim Student Association is proud to report that after weeks of planning, we held our first Interfaith Iftar on Friday, February 9th (19 Ramadan). The event was free to all. One hundred and fifty Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus and other non-Muslims gathered in the Frank Hale Black Cultural Center at the Ohio State University for an evening of dining and of gaining knowledge on the meaning of Ramadan, Islam, and Muslims. Alhamdulillah this was a successful event n which the Muslim students here on campus were able to eliminate Muslim stereotypes and present genuine Islam effectively to the curious guests.

The program began with Br. Tariq Jalil detailing an overview of what to expect throughout the evening and Br. Aladdin Gohar giving the opening speech. following this, the Muslims broke their fasts and prayed while the guests listened to Yusuf Islam's DC, "Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PUBUH)" and prepare themselves for a feast of lamb, rice, humus, and other dishes catered by Firdous Middle Eastern style Restaurant and others. the highlight of the evening was Br. Brian Clouse's excellent speech on Islam. Alhamdulillah, his eloquent talk touched the non-Muslims and Muslims alike. Br. Clause explained in detail the five-pillars of Islam, the meaning of tawheed, the role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the international appeal of Islam. He also took time to address many of the misconceptions surrounding Islam today. And of course, the topic of fasting in the month of Ramadan was another central aspect of his presentation. Jezak Allah Kheir to the brother for providing such an important and clear dawah to our non-Muslim guests. Inshallah through his presence, the guests were educated in better understanding Islam.

Next, a panel of six brothers and sisters answered the questions given by our guests. Even some of the Muslim guests themselves participated to help with the answering. Some inquiries of the guests' included the relationship between Christianity and Islam, Islam's view on the Day of Judgment, the difference between Nation of Islam and true Islam and questions regarding the dress of Muslim brothers and sisters. After the discussion, the guests were shown all the essentials of prayer including the adhan, wudu, and the actual salah. Towards the end of the program, salatul isha was offered and cake was distributed. Sr. Sama'a concluded the program with closing remarks and a beautiful du'a of which she read in both Arabic and English.

All praise is due to Allah (SWT) for giving the Muslim students the resources and opportunity to come together and offer the Interfaith Iftar at OSU. Inshallah our guests left the program with not only a clearer understanding of Islam, but also with a better ability to determine the differences between stereotypes and true Islam. May Allah (SWT) bless us with the chance to provide other events such as this one so we can further extend Allah's (SWT) message to even more people. Jezakum Allah Kheir to all the brothers and sisters who helped in any way in making this event a success.