Ramadan Iftar Events Designed to Bring Together Muslims and Non-Muslims

For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Council of Churches' Taking Heart program is organizing a series of open houses at area mosques during the sacred Islamic month of Ramadan. 

Nine mosques and Muslim Community Centers throughout the Twin Cities will welcome their non-Muslim neighbors for a traditional Ramadan iftar, or fast-breaking meal, beginning July 25.

The nearest center for Inver Grove Heights residents is the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, located at 4100 66th St. E. The iftar ceremony will be held on Aug. 1 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity.

Taking Heart has been bringing together Muslims and non-Muslims for food and conversation for more than six years.

"Last year more than 350 guests attended an iftar during Ramadan. We hope this year will be even bigger," Taking Heart director Gail Anderson said. "We hope that people who have never had an opportunity to visit a mosque before will come join us for dinner at a mosque in their neighborhood."  

• Masjid Al-Taqwa (St. Paul) July 25, 7:45 p.m.
• Northwest Islamic Community Center (Plymouth) July 27, 7:30 p.m.
• (Fridley) July 28, 7:30 p.m.
• Ja’afari Islamic Center (Brooklyn Park) July 28, 8:15 p.m.
• Masjid Al-Iman (Minneapolis) July 30, 7:30 p.m.
• Muslim American Society of Minnesota (Inver Grove Heights) Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m.
• Dar Al-Hijrah (Minneapolis) Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m.
• Burnsville Mosque (Burnsville) Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m.
• Masjid Al-Rahman (Bloomington) Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m.

These events are free and open to the public but registration is strongly encouraged. Information and registration materials can be found on the MCC website.