We at Peace Catalyst see the escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians, and the increasing deaths on both sides, as reprehensible and counterproductive to any holistic or just peace. As peacemakers who have worked for ten years to build peace between Christians and Muslims, we know that this conflict is very important to both communities, and we understand that there are many passionate perspectives and competing calls for justice.

What is Ramadan? Who observes it, and how does it work? We asked our friend Afnan to explain the basics and tell us what Ramadan means to her.

Before the Bosnian War in the early 90’s, Bosnia and Herzegovina enjoyed a long-held tradition of Christians hosting Muslims for Iftar during Ramadan, and Muslims hosting Christians during Lent and around Christmas or Easter. Before the war, it was very normal for neighbors to celebrate one another’s religious holidays with them through hospitality in one another’s homes, especially in Sarajevo where there was such diversity and even intermarriage between people of different faiths. Things like this happened all the time. But that was before the war. Now, in 2019, when our pastor suggested not only inviting members of the congregation to show up to an Iftar somewhere, but to actively host one on our own turf – well, that was a little unusual.

During Ramadan you’ll hear a lot of talk about “Iftar.” But what exactly is Iftar? Here’s a short explainer.

It’s that time of the year! The time when people express immense curiosity in my eating habits. I get asked questions like, “Why aren’t you eating or drinking? Don’t you even drink water? No water at all? Do you get enough nutrients?” In this blog I want to answer some of these questions and cover some of the important facts and practices of the holy month. My name is Afnan, and as a recent graduate of Ohio State University, this will be my fourth Ramadan in the United States.

Peace Catalyst exists to ignite local movements of Christians and Muslims (and others!) living together in peace and working together towards peace. To this end, our Muslim friends have graciously invited us to join them in fasting, praying, and eating together during one of their most holy times - Ramadan.