All Muslims are invited to reach out to at least one non-Muslim friend or neighbor to spread peace, love and kindness.
Saima Iqbal of North Brunswick and Azra Baig of South Brunswick were sharing their goals for Ramadan during a recent class when Iqbal mentioned she wanted to make food baskets to share with her friends and neighbors in honor of Ramadan being the month of mercy. Baig had done a similar outreach in the past, and decided they should broaden their initiative to the local area.
“Especially during this month, we like to give back,” Baig said. “It is a month of giving.”
From June 18 to July 17, Muslims will be observing a month of fasting for Ramadan. Through the Ramadan Sharing Initiative, residents are encouraged to share a bowl of dates, a basket of goodies or a plate of food with people of a different faith, or they may volunteer at a soup kitchen or donate to a food pantry.
“We feel, overwhelmingly, so much negativity toward our faith. This is a simple way to share peacefulness, kindness and the generosity of our faith,” Baig said.
Since the holiday falls during the summer this year — when the sun rises earlier and sets later than usual — fasting “is not easy because the day is very long,” Baig said.
However, Muslims observe the month of discipline, perseverance and spiritual awareness by celebrating each night with family and friends.
Therefore, Baig said the sharing initiative is a good way to get to know others and start a conversation.
“The better they know you, they have a better understanding. It leads to friendship and peace between people,” Baig said.
“It’s about happy community living and community service,” Iqbal said. “If we can do this for a month, we can definitely do it year-round.”
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