If you'd like to visit a mosque, Ramadan is the best time :)

[umsami]

In a few days time, the month of Ramadan will start for Muslims around the world.  It's a time when people who have reached puberty, and are physically able to (breastfeeding and pregnant women are excused, for example), fast from before sunrise to sunset for one month.  No food, no drink, no smoking, no TeA, etc. 

 

In many communities, they hold community iftars (iftar is the name of the meal you break your fast with).  These are usually open to whomever would like to come, Muslim or not.  Some communities hold these evry night, others just on weekends or certain dates.  It is considered an honor to feed somebody, and in Muslim countries, you'll find public feasts set out with hosts trying to entice passerbys to feast with them.

 

So, if you've ever wanted to visit a mosque now is the time.   Your local Islamic center's website should list a schedule for both Ramadan prayers and usually information on the iftars.  You can also call and see if they have any specific dates set aside for non-Muslims to visit.

 

What to Expect:  When the azhan (call to prayer) sounds, people will often break their fast with dates and water.  Usually, there will be people wandering about with trays of dates.  (NB: Most dates have seeds in them.) 

 

Then people will pray maghrib (sunset) prayer.  It takes a few minutes.  It is prayed outloud.  You will not be expected to participate.  Depending on the size of the mosque, you might wait in the back of the room or even in a separate room set up for the dinner.

 

After people pray, the feasting begins.

 

After people eat, a portion of the Qur'an will be recited, with prayers done in between.  (The Qur'an (which is about the length of the New Testament) is divided into 30 Juz (or parts).  One part is recited each night.)    People do different rounds of prayers as part of this as well.   You're not expected to stay for this (as it goes on for quite awhile), but are more than welcome to.  Somebody should be able to give you a Qur'an in English so that you can have some idea as to what they are saying.

Edited June 3, 2016 by umsami

[umsami]

If you have questions, feel free to ask.

 

One of the good things about Ramadan is that fasting really makes you appreciate food and clean, potable water.  (Something we often take for granted.)  Because it's summer time, fasting is pretty long, but you can get an idea by starting your fast around noon and then fasting just for the afternoon until sunset. 

 

Depending on the community, you may find different groups sponsoring the iftars.   Where I live, it's by ethnicity.... so we'll get Egyptian food one night, Pakistani food one night, Afghan food, Somali food, Sudanese food, etc.    I will say that most iftars I've attended always seem to include pizza for the kids, regardless of the sponsoring group. 

[Miss Tick]

Thank you for the straight-forward discussion. I'm going to see if there is anything obvious in my community. (Although I will likely still be too shy to attend. There is always next year, right?)

[umsami]

Thank you for the straight-forward discussion. I'm going to see if there is anything obvious in my community. (Although I will likely still be too shy to attend. There is always next year, right?)

 

Yup :)  Before I converted, I did drive-by mosque-ings. Quite a few. ;)  It took every bit of courage to enter the building.  No idea why, but it did. 

 

Once I entered, it was kind of like...OK, this looks like a church, school, etc.  Not a lot of difference. 

 

You could call and see if there is a revert/convert sister (Muslims usually use the term revert but both are understood) who could perhaps meet you and be your buddy, if you want to attend.   Or find a friend to go with you.  Always less intimidating with somebody.

 

If you live near a University, see if they have a Muslim Student Association.  They might host an event or have a college student who will go with you.  (Most MSA students these days are second and third generation Americans, so totally get what might be strange/unfamiliar to non-Muslim Americans. :))

Edited June 3, 2016 by umsami

[Guest]

Then people will pray maghrib (sunset) prayer.  It takes a few minutes.  It is prayed outloud.  You will not be expected to participate.

 

 

 

In Arabic

 

But you can if you want!

 

Bear in mind that you almost certainly will be expected to cover your hair.

 

And that the women will be in a separate space from the men, unless you happen to be in Toronto or LA ;-)

 

But like UmSami said, it;s A-OK if you don't want to venture inside/upstairs/whatever to pray!!

 

Enjoy that lamb, rice and samosas ++ whatever the local loves have cooked up!

 

 

[kubiac]

For anyone in the Southern California area, I just saw an email about "Ramadan in LA: A Date with Islam" at Barnsdall Park on Sunday.

 

Details here: http://www.lacommons.org/event/ramadan-in-la-a-date-with-islam/

 

We can't make it this year because we are already overscheduled but I hope they do something like this again in the future!

Edited June 3, 2016 by kubiac

[Guest]

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

[Guest]

For anyone in the Southern California area, I just saw an email about Ramadan in LA: A Date with Islam at Barnsdall Park on Sunday.

 

Details here: http://www.lacommons.org/event/ramadan-in-la-a-date-with-islam/

 

We can't make it this year because we are already overscheduled but I hope they do something like this again in the future!

 

If you are in LA, there is a women's-only masjid!!