Fellowships and Learning Faiths
Originally published July 20, 2014 (Submission copy)
I previously have written about the Southwest Interfaith Team (SWIFT), which holds gatherings at different houses of worship, and explores specific topics, with speakers presenting the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim perspectives.
Because I have written about it, SWIFT board member Khalid Mozaffar recently invited me to the Orland Park Prayer Center for its Community Appreciation Iftar.
“Iftar” means “break the fast.” During Ramadan, for 30 days, Muslims ascribe to this strict fasting ritual, from the break of dawn until sundown, which on that day was from 3:53 a.m. to 8:27 p.m.
Those who follow this practice to not consume any food or drink during that period, and they clear their minds with pure thoughts. Doing the math, the span for fasting that day was about 16.5 hours.
The Islamic calendar is lunar-based and differs from the solar (Gregorian) calendar. Because the lunar year is 10 days shorter than the Gregorian, Ramadan comes 10 days earlier each year.
When Ramadan is in January, it is easier, in that days are shorter. Currently, days are among the longest of the year, so this translates into almost 17 hours of fasting.
Using this calendar, Muslims get to experience Ramadan throughout the different seasons in their lifetimes.
The Iftar event was arranged in appreciation of the goodwill and support shown to the Orland Park Prayer Center. Mozaffar, one of the organizers, said it was to be “an evening of friendship, fellowship, celebration, and goodwill to be shared and celebrated with city officials (including Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin), law enforcement officials (Police Chief Timothy McCarthy), public high school principals, church and interfaith leaders, librarians, media personnel and local businesspeople.”
He said these groups are working to celebrate diversity, educate the uninformed, promote religious harmony, and ensure that people of all faiths, including Muslims, feel welcome in their communities.
The July 10 program began at 7 p.m. at the prayer center’s school. Welcome remarks by Jehad Matariyah and a “get to know you exercise” kicked off the event. Guests wre asked to stand after questions ranging from “Have you ever ice skated?” to “Do you speak multiple languages?” Attendees then were able to look around and see people who are very much the same.
Matariyeh explained that each guest had been invited because he/she individually and all of them collectively were doing their part in making our part of the world – and by extension, our great nation – a better place. He said they all in their own way were serving God by serving community and mankind.
Next, a beautiful recitation from the Quran by Hassan Natour, with equally eloquent translation by Maryam Omar Othman reminded us that this was a religious experience.
Prayer Center President Dr. Mohamed Krad provided history of the mosque, along with an enlightened vision for the coming together of communities by reminding that we are all very much the same.
Sheikh Nazir Chahin, Imam and Director of the OPPC, was the Keynote Speaker. He spoke of the Spirit of Ramadan, and of faith and the faithful. He explained that the faithful follow rituals, whereas someone who may not have found their faith may still be searching.
The next speaker, the Rev. James Finno, pastor of St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr’s parish, Tinley Park, provided insight about the work being done in the interfaith community to foster openness and understanding, especially with SWIFT.
Mohammad Nofal presented 2014 honoree Mayor Dan McLaughlin with a plaque of appreciation.
Realizing he was the person standing between food and the people who hadn’t eaten in 17 hours, McLaughlin did not want to take too much time speaking. He spoke about our “small” village and the 26 places of worship within; of being Catholic and having never been in a mosque until one came to the village.
The Orland Park Prayer Center has often invited community members to experience the building. McLaughlin explained that people fear what they do not know, and said he has appreciated the center opening its doors so often to the community, which he said goes a long way toward lessening those fears and educating the public.
At 8:27 p.m., guests were invited to follow along the call to prayer (Adhan) on the video screen, along with its translation, and later to witness the worshipers perform their Maghrib, or evening prayer, led by Sheikh Nazir Chahin.
From the pond facing 104th Avenue, the moon was bright in the sky as more than 30 men and about 10 women prayed on mats. Also worshiping was an extremely tall man – over 6-foot-10. It turns out it was Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter, who was visiting.
A wonderful meal was then served. Conversations were similar to those at any gathering. There was talk about the storm of the week prior, kids, summer break and how terrific the food tasted.
During a follow-up conversation with McLaughlin, the mayor reiterated the Ramadan prayer quoted during his speech: “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint and God-consciousness,” and he reminded of the self-restraint and discipline it takes to fast for Ramadan.