SHAFAQNA – Charlotte’s Muslim community invites you to dinner as part of two “We Love Our Non-Muslim Neighbors” open houses.
Muslims will share their iftar meal at 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. June 17 at the Islamic Center of Charlotte, 1700 Progress Lane.
Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, according to Islamic belief.
“Breaking bread together is one of the best ways to break boundaries and get to know one another,” said Jibril Hough, a spokesman for the center. “We do this every year, an open house where we share the iftar meal when we break our fast, with neighbors and (others) who want to come out.”
The meal typically includes lamb, chicken, rice, pita bread and salad, Hough said.
“This year’s theme was inspired by our neighbors at The Grove Presbyterian Church” in east Charlotte, Hough said.
The Grove put up a sign in its front yard this year that said, “We love our Muslim neighbors,” in big and colorful letters facing W.T. Harris Boulevard. The sign was in reaction to nationally rising hate crimes against Muslims after Donald Trump was elected president.