In the Press
Dinner unites faiths during sacred month -- 11-11-2004
Muslims share insights on religion during Ramadan
Beryl Chong RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
Posted: 11/11/2004 11:21 pm
They hadn't eaten all day, but when it came time for food, they dined with strangers.
Anyone was welcome at no charge.
"It's a month of sharing our religion, being tolerant," said Ismail Ozdemir, president of the Sierra Foundation, a newly formed group that organized Thursday's interfaith dinner at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
The dinner - called Iftar - is the breaking of the fast in the evening during the holy month of Ramadan, expected to end Tuesday, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
During that period, Muslims abstain from drinking, eating and pleasures from daybreak to sunset. They do this to practice self-control, cleanse their bodies and souls and remind themselves of the suffering of those less fortunate.
About 100 people attended the dinner.
"Ramadan is the best time for Muslims and others to interact in peace and brotherhood," said Ozdemir, a Turkish Muslim who is a computer specialist. "We thought that especially after Sept. 11, Americans have a bad image in their minds about Muslims."
Guests were treated to a classical Sufi music performance of the "Nay" similar to the flute. Before dinner, a special prayer to break the fast called "Adhan" was performed. The event drew people from other faiths, including Christians and Buddhists.
Diane Swanson, a member of the Sparks Nazarene Church, wanted to find out more about Islam, which has 1 billion members worldwide. "I just think there's a lot of similarities," said Swanson, who came with her husband, Alan, and daughter Danielle, 13. "The fundamentals of religion are the same - help and be kind to one another and live your life to God. ..."
Strangers seated next to each other started conversations.
"We didn't talk about religion, we talked about our sons," said Rana Pekel, who moved to the area from Turkey two years ago and is a Washoe County School District substitute teacher.
After the dinner, people were encouraged to get to know each other.
"You just learn to appreciate all religions and be more tolerant," said Kent Wood, who was brought up a Mormon. "This event helps bring it into focus."
Others such as Deirdre Vinyard are looking forward to more events organized by Sierra Foundation, which was established a month ago. The organization plans to hold seminars, exhibitions, additional dinners and other events to encourage discussion among people of different faiths and cultures.
"There's so much prejudice, there's a lot of misunderstanding about Islam," said Vinyard, a member of the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Reno. "It's a good movement. I hope it catches on."
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Dialogue, dinner unites communities during Ramadan
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The devout celebrate their diversity
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Dinner unites faiths during sacred month
