On Thursday, July 17th, we held our Iftar dinner with the local interfaith community. Together we shared a meal and observed the holy month of Ramadan. We started the evening off with Dr. Ozgur Koca, Professor of Muslim Studies at Bayan Claremont University, who gave a brief presentation on Ramadan and fasting in Islam. He discussed fasting as worship, a way of establishing a link between the finite and the absolute. Fasting is more than a physical activity, it is a transformative act that involves one’s whole being. Breaking from our routine allows us to experience the world from a fresh perspective. A drink of water is no longer mundane and ordinary. Everything is miraculous. Dr. Koca emphasized that fasting is a common practice in many religions; it establishes a link with the larger community of believers.
After hearing the ezan (call to prayer) and sharing a meal, we heard reflections and testimonials from the interfaith community. Aycegul Ashki, President of the Interfaith Council of Central Orange County, lit a candle and shared a few words as her husband, Kaan Erdal, played the ney, a traditional Sufi musical instrument. They closed their reflection with a prayer for peace. Rabbi Joel Berman of Temple Beth Emet discussed the commonality of fasting in Judaism and Islam. He shared the story of a Palestinian government official hoping for peace, and the desire for Jews and Muslims to participate in fast-breaking together. Mike Penn, Co-Founder of the Interfaith Youth Council of Orange County, spoke about the importance of interfaith dialogue. When we come together with people from different faiths and cultural backgrounds, we gain “convicted civility.” Finally, Ananda Guruge, Former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, France, UNESCO, Spain, Algeria, and Mexico, spoke of Sri Lanka as a multi-faith country, one where Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus live together. He says that all human beings share the same smile, and the world was created for us to enjoy what each culture has to offer.
Pacifica Institute would like to thank our speakers and all of our guests, who joined us in sharing a meal, participating in convicted civility, and enjoying what each of our cultures has to offer.
