Non-Muslims iftar with DIC
Non-Muslims who are interested to know more about Islam will be given a glimpse into the deen during the most spiritual time of year, when the Discover Islam Centre (DIC) in Lansdowne hosts its annual iftar. The da’wah centre is inviting non-Muslims in Cape Town to experience breaking fast with them on Saturday 28 July at the Ottery Islamic Centre, one week into Ramadan. Centre director, Maulana Zakariyya Philander, said the idea behind the program is to introduce non-Muslims to Ramadan and to let them experience it as a means of da'wah.
“We decided that what better way than inviting them to fast with us on the day. We are also inviting them to our two hour program that we will be having just before iftar time, taking them through some of the main reasons why Muslims fast and why this month is so special to us.” Philander wants guests to experience the way Muslims break their fast, while allowing them to experience the sense of the brotherhood in Islam that comes with this time of the year.
“Many non-Muslims have their own ideas of how we as Muslims break our fast at night, always wondering how we do it and thinking that we are starving ourselves all day. We want to show them the main reasons why we are fasting during this month for the sake of Allah (swt). We will also be taking them through the traditional savories and foods that families put on their table in Ramadan. So it is an opportunity for them to experience it with us and see what it is realy like,” he said.
According to the alim, besides the fact that Ramadan was a very spiritual time for Muslims, it is also a very joyous time. “Every year we cannot wait for the month of Ramadan to come. It’s a month that we share with our family as we break fast together. The best part of it all is the festive and congenial mood at this time. We want to showcase this to them, underpinning the act that we do all this simply for the sake of the Almighty, alhamdullilah.”
Philander said that many people have already booked their names for the event and will be bringing non-Muslim friends along. “A lot of people have come forward already, so we are hopeful that we will fill up the place, insha Allah. However, the first people that we looking at inviting would be the family of those who have embraced Islam. Often people become Muslim and their family do not really know what Islam is about. So this will be our first point of call to give them a window into our world.”
A variety of guest speakers will be present on the day, as well as various reverts who will be sharing their experience of fasting. “We are still confirming last minute guests, but i can confirm that we have some great speakers on the list, including people who embraced Islam last year. I hope that this will inspire many on the day, insha Allah,” he said.
“We are working on a RSVP system so if you have a non-Muslim friend that you would like to bring with and experience iftar with us, then you can contact the office and they will issue you with tickets.” The program will start immediately after Asr salah. It is an open invite, the alim, said, adding that the public still has to RSVP before the event. If you would like to know more contact the Discover Islam Centre on 021-696 8375/76. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
“We decided that what better way than inviting them to fast with us on the day. We are also inviting them to our two hour program that we will be having just before iftar time, taking them through some of the main reasons why Muslims fast and why this month is so special to us.” Philander wants guests to experience the way Muslims break their fast, while allowing them to experience the sense of the brotherhood in Islam that comes with this time of the year.
“Many non-Muslims have their own ideas of how we as Muslims break our fast at night, always wondering how we do it and thinking that we are starving ourselves all day. We want to show them the main reasons why we are fasting during this month for the sake of Allah (swt). We will also be taking them through the traditional savories and foods that families put on their table in Ramadan. So it is an opportunity for them to experience it with us and see what it is realy like,” he said.
According to the alim, besides the fact that Ramadan was a very spiritual time for Muslims, it is also a very joyous time. “Every year we cannot wait for the month of Ramadan to come. It’s a month that we share with our family as we break fast together. The best part of it all is the festive and congenial mood at this time. We want to showcase this to them, underpinning the act that we do all this simply for the sake of the Almighty, alhamdullilah.”
Spirit of Ramadan
The discussion session will also look at what the Quran says about fasting and significant this time is for Muslims. “Fasting has been part of Islam for a very long time. In fact. it has been part of various other religions and we can give them a glimpse into their own path as well. And if it happens that they are inspired by Islam and Ramadan – then that will be of a great bonus to us, Insha Allah Ameen.”Philander said that many people have already booked their names for the event and will be bringing non-Muslim friends along. “A lot of people have come forward already, so we are hopeful that we will fill up the place, insha Allah. However, the first people that we looking at inviting would be the family of those who have embraced Islam. Often people become Muslim and their family do not really know what Islam is about. So this will be our first point of call to give them a window into our world.”
A variety of guest speakers will be present on the day, as well as various reverts who will be sharing their experience of fasting. “We are still confirming last minute guests, but i can confirm that we have some great speakers on the list, including people who embraced Islam last year. I hope that this will inspire many on the day, insha Allah,” he said.
“We are working on a RSVP system so if you have a non-Muslim friend that you would like to bring with and experience iftar with us, then you can contact the office and they will issue you with tickets.” The program will start immediately after Asr salah. It is an open invite, the alim, said, adding that the public still has to RSVP before the event. If you would like to know more contact the Discover Islam Centre on 021-696 8375/76. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
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