Sherman Hospital hosts Muslims, community for Ramadan meal

Advocate Sherman Hospital opened its doors Monday to Elgin residents, particularly Muslims, for a dinner celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

It's the first year the hospital's Mission and Spiritual Care Department and Diversity Council has organized a community iftar (fast-breaking meal) held at the hospital's medical office building off Randall Road in Elgin.

"We respect all religions and faiths," said the Rev. Fred Rajan, vice president for mission and spiritual care.

"We are opening this iftar dinner to the whole community. We wanted to uplift and celebrate all religious traditions. Later in the year, we definitely will have a Diwali celebration, and we will have Christmas and Hanukkah (observances)."

Roughly 50 people, including hospital employees and faith community leaders, participated in the iftar. They got to learn about the diverse Muslim customs of Ramadan, which began the eve of June 17 and ends July 17.

During the month, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk, and refrain from eating, drinking and sex while the sun is up. At sunset, Muslims gather with family and friends to break the fast with prayers and a meal. Ramadan is a time for purification of the soul through worship and spirituality, sacrifice and charity.

Muslims mark the end of the month of fasting with a celebration called "Eid al-Fitr." On Eid day, Muslims observe early morning prayers and then engage in gift-giving and family gatherings.

"We are a hospital which welcomes all to our place of healing. That includes peoples of all cultures, all religions and languages," Rajan said. "We are open to serving every single person who comes to our hospital with reverence and respect."