Breaking bread together: Space Coast Muslims host interfaith unity dinner for Ramadan
MELBOURNE — For many, the lingering political divisions across the nation and state over issues from education to the elections are troubling, and worries over global conflicts, including the grinding war in Ukraine, are wearisome.
But Brevard County Muslims hope to break through the rancor this week by hosting an interfaith community meal during one of the holiest periods on the Islamic calendar. The goal: To show that Space Coast residents can rise above rhetoric and difference to show love and respect toward one another, organizers say.
“We live in a world where there is tremendous acrimony. We want to promote peace and unity, here in our community. If we can bring everyone together, that would be good,” said former Brevard County Judge A.B. Majeed, one of the facilitators of the event.
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The Islamic Society of Brevard Mosque in south Melbourne is sponsoring its second annual Iftar Community Dinner on Wednesday, with more than 150 invited guests from various backgrounds, faiths and communities set to attend. The event begins at sundown Wednesday at the Front Street Civic Center.
The Iftar dinner — which takes place each night to break daylong fasting — is one of the highlights of fellowship during the month of Ramadan, when the world's two billion Muslims fast daily, pray and reflect.
This year, the holy month, which shifts dates according to the lunar calendar and commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Islamic prophet Muhammad, also coincides with the Christian and Jewish holy periods of Easter and Passover, respectively.
“That’s very unique timing,” Majeed noted. “All three of the monotheistic faiths are having their celebrations at the same time.”
Last year the event, the first of its kind to be sponsored by the Muslim community was attended by U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge; city council members; Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey; and others.
Organizers served up roasted lamb, along with an array of food reflecting the mosque’s global diversity in bringing together people from India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Palestine, and other areas. Majeed said representatives from Brevard's Jewish, Christian, and other communities will be in attendance.
“This year the community Iftar will be twice as big. To see everyone breaking bread together, it shows that we can respect each others’ differences,” Majeed said.
“From the darkest valleys to the highest mountain, we all share similar values and have hopes for our children. We need to learn to love everyone’s differences.”
J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Space Coast Muslims host unity meal for Ramadan to rise above divisions
