Milwaukee Imams Break Ramadan Fast with the Homeless

Oak Creek, Wisconsin, July 1, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Milwaukee Imams to Break Ramadan Fast with the Homeless

Muslim religious leaders from Milwaukee’s various mosques will gather on July 3rd to break their fast with Milwaukee’s homeless. The feast—known as Iftar—will take place at 8:00PM at the Guest House of Milwaukee at 1216 N 13th street. The event will feature Imams from the Islamic Da’wa Center, Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Masjid Al-Huda, Masjid An-Noor, and Masjid Al-Quran.

"Fasting helps Muslims develop empathy towards those who do not have access to food and water. It's only natural that we want to break bread with those who are in need"

Raza Nazar, MA'RUF Project Lead

The event is being organized by MA’RUF--a nonprofit Muslim organization that advocates social justice by serving individuals, families, and communities in need.  “Muslims are portrayed as violent and self-interested. But this isn’t the Islam that I know. These types of events demonstrate the generosity and good-will that Muslims have towards the Milwaukee community.” says Aamer Ahmed, President of MA’RUF.  “Fasting helps Muslims develop empathy towards those who do not have access to food and water. It’s only natural that we want to break bread with those who are in need” says Raza Nazar, Project Lead for MA’RUFs event.  

Additionally, the local Imams will also be joining MA’RUF volunteers in distributing kits for the residents at the Guest House. The kits include non-perishable food items, hygienic materials, water and juices. Ma’ruf has been contributing to the shortage of food supply at the Guest House for years. Once a month the organization makes 100 sandwiches and delivers them to the Guest House to help with its food shortage.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar where Muslims across the world refrain from food, drink and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. The goals of the fast are self-restraint, piety and solidarity with the less-fortunate.  Ramadan presents Muslims with an opportunity to rekindle their social consciousness and provoke the sense of civic responsibility. The fast is concluded with a communal feast and prayer.

###