What is a
Fast-Breaking Dinner?
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims participate in fast-breaking dinners each evening.
As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the start of Ramadan shifts approximately 11 days earlier each year. In 2023, it falls during the autumn season in Australia but will gradually move into the summer over the years. As part of the observance, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and engaging in any sexual activity from before dawn until dusk, breaking the fast at the time of the Maghrib (dusk) call to prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily calls to prayer.
These fast-breaking dinners are often joyous and festive occasions, and are traditionally shared with family and friends. Muslims may also invite guests from different faiths and cultures to join them, providing an opportunity for dialogue and the development of mutual respect and friendship.
Aims and objectives
01
To encourage and support individuals and groups to engage in dialogue
02
To encourage more neighbourly interaction
03
To encourage the opening up of different communities to one another
04
To bring about dialogue between cultural, community and faith-based organisations
05
To encourage inclusion of people who may not necessarily be interested in dialogue
06
To get individuals and organisations interested in dialogue
07
To initiate dialogue through a tangible event
The Purpose
It is important to remember that the purpose of events such as fast-breaking dinners during Ramadan is to engage and interact with people of other cultures or faiths. When approaching a religious congregation, community group, or other organization to suggest holding these events, there may be reluctance or suspicion that it is an attempt to proselytize or convert others. It's important to address these concerns by clearly explaining that the intention is not to convince them of one's own faith, but to simply engage and interact with them. On the day of the event, it is important to impress upon the team that theological discussion should only be engaged in if prompted and then only to inform rather than convince. The key is to have an interaction with the others while respecting them as they are.
Some of our Iftar (Fast-Breaking) Dinners
Home Iftars
Fast-breaking dinners at your home during Ramadan can be a great opportunity to socialize with neighbors and get to know them better.
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Small Community Iftars
We bring different groups together, promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and friendship
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Large Community Iftars
We bring the community together and encourage interaction, community spirit and social cohesion
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