Join multi-faith meal celebrating Iftar June 18

Celebrate Iftar with a multi-faith meal on Saturday, June 18, at the Batavia Congregational Church, 21 S. Batavia Ave.

The meal will begin at 8 p.m. in Paxton Hall as friends from the Batavia Islamic Center break their fast that day. All are welcome especially children. The community is invited. RSVP by June 10 so the food may be planned for and prepared. Contact office@congregationalchurch.org or (630) 879-1999.

Ramadan begins Monday, June 6 and ends Tuesday, July 5. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast. Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset every day during Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan is important in the faith for several reasons. The Qur'an was first revealed during this month, and it is said that the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained up there.

Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking; it is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-discipline and sacrifice.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is considered one of the "5 Pillars of Islam," five activities that shape a Muslim's life. Prayer occurs on a daily basis; pilgrimage is done once in a lifetime; charity and professing one's faith are both ongoing. Fasting the month of Ramadan is an annual observance; every year, Muslims take an entire month out of their lives to observe this strict fast and rededicate themselves to worship and faith.