Ramadaan Iftar in Islamic Centers

Ramadan Iftar

Community Announcement

From the desk of:
Imam Ossama Bahloul PhD
Resident Scholar of ICN

Assalam u 'Alaikum my Dear Community,

With Ramadan around the corner, many of us begin reflecting on the blessings of fasting and the opportunities for increased righteousness. May Allah grant us all the ability to fast, engage in good deeds, and accept our efforts.

Recently, I received messages from some members of the community expressing concerns about the expenses incurred each night for providing iftar at the Islamic center, especially given the struggles faced by Muslims worldwide. Some have questioned the necessity of spending on food for people who may not be in dire need and suggested that our focus should shift entirely to supporting vulnerable Muslims around the globe.

While I deeply appreciate the good intentions and compassion behind these concerns, I would advise caution against adopting such a rigid stance for several reasons:

1. Fulfilling Social Needs Locally: The Muslim community in America has unique social needs. Providing iftar dinners creates a space for families and individuals to connect, build relationships, and foster a sense of belonging. This is especially important for our youth, who benefit from friendships within the Muslim community.

2. Unseen Struggles of Community Members: Some members of our community face struggles they dont openly share. For them, eating iftar at the masjid may be a quiet form of support without having to ask for help. Students, those far from their families, and others in need often find comfort and a sense of community in these gatherings.

3. Religious Validity of Iftar Dinners: It would be problematic to claim that providing iftar within our current context at the masjid is un-Islamic without clear evidence. Feeding others, even those who are not necessarily impoverished, is a virtuous act in Islam and aligns with the spirit of Ramadan.

4. Balanced Approach: Islamic centers can continue to provide iftar dinners without extravagance, ensuring the expenses are reasonable. At the same time, those who feel strongly about supporting vulnerable Muslims worldwide are encouraged to channel their energy and resources in that direction. Both approaches are valid, and neither should claim exclusivity as the only Islamic position.

5. Avoiding Extremes: If we were to stop local initiatives simply because there are greater struggles elsewhere, this logic could extend to questioning many other activities. For instance, should families stop going on vacations, playing sports, or having more than one car because others are suffering? Such an approach, while well-intentioned, overlooks the holistic needs of a community.

While I understand and respect the good intentions behind this perspective, I believe it does not account for the broader social and spiritual needs of the local community. Let us strive for balance by supporting both our local community and those in need worldwide, recognizing that each effort contributes to the greater good in its own way.

May Allah guide us to do our best for our community and accept all our efforts.

Sincerely,
Imam Ossama Bahloul PhD
Resident Scholar of ICN
www.islamin500.org