IMPIC calls on Irish Mosques and Islamic Centres to hold “Community Iftar” Events to invite People of all faiths for Dinner celebration during Ramadan and issues guidelines for organising “Community Iftar” events.
This Ramadan the Irish Muslim community is urged to reach out to their neighbours of all faiths by hosting a traditional Ramadan Iftar (fast-breaking dinner) in Mosques and Islamic Centres.
“As more than one billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Ramadan by fasting and appreciating the blessings given to us, it is equally important for the Irish Muslim community to reach out to our neighbours as an example of true Islamic ideals,” said Shaykh Muhammad Umar Al-Qadri, Founder of Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council and Imam of the Al-Mustafa Islamic Centre Ireland.
IMPIC will hold its Central Community Iftar in the Al-Mustafa Islamic Centre on Friday 26th June 2015 in which Jewish holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental shall be the guest of honour.
Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments.
Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the “five pillars” of Islam.
The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid-ul-Fitr,” or Feast of the Fast-Breaking, on either the 17th or 18th of June 2015.
(Because Ramadan is a lunar month, the actual date is governed by sighting of the new moon)
There are an estimated 60000 Muslims in Ireland and 1.8 Billion worldwide.
About Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council (IMPIC) :
Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council is an independent national representative Muslim body, established to provide a forum where the Irish Muslim Community can speak as one recognised voice on matters relating to their well-being in Ireland, and help promote ways of integrating effectively in the community and promote the true teachings of Islam.
The Council represents the various Muslim groups and nationalities living in Ireland. The Council provides a coherent and inclusive voice for Muslim community in Ireland. It promotes awareness of issues relevant to Islam and Muslims of the country.
The official launch of the Council will take place after Ramadan.