Iftar with Friends

This evening I shared Iftar at the Wycombe Islamic Centre. Iftar is the meal for opening the fast in the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan. I received the invitation through the good offices of Anne, who is a member of our Meeting and also one of the founders of Wycombe Sharing Of Faiths.

The evening began with a presentation about Fasting, covering both its religious significance for Muslims and the medical effects. Then we opened the fast with some snacks of fruit and water, after which we watched and listened to the Sunset Prayer. We then shared a meal together, after which the non-Muslims left and our Muslim hosts remained for further prayers.

I felt very honoured to be a guest here; I walk past the Wycombe Islamic Centre most days but had never been inside. The musicality of the Sunset Prayer affected me in a similar way to the sound of Gregorian chant. And the kindness and hospitality of our hosts could not have been bettered.