Ramadan is a month of contemplation and introspection. This year, like last year, Ramadan coincides with the Christian time of Lent. This period is traditionally a time that Christians fast and focus on spiritual life. Together with the Fatih Mosque and the Westerkerk, NEWConnective is organising a dialogue iftar.
What is a dialogue iftar, you might ask? It just means that we will have a conversation with each other and afterwards share some delicious food during the iftar. During the conversation, which will take place in the Westerkerk, we will discuss some questions with each other. To give some examples; (How) do we fast? What can fasting look like? What are differences and similarities between Ramadan and Lent? How can we find space for these religious practices in an ever-changing world? What can we learn from each other over the divides of different traditions? Join us and share your thoughts! You're also welcome to join if you don't belong to a religion or a religious community!
After this dialogue, we will move to the Fatih Mosque and break the fast together with some deliciously prepared food. We'd love to have you share food and thoughts with us! Sign-up via the link at the top of this page, so we know how many people to expect.
Program
We'll start at the Westerkerk, where we will have a dialogue with each other. We have a conversation about the shared fasting period; Ramadan and Lent. Everyone is welcome, whether you're religious or not! Around 6:30, we'll move to the Fatih Mosque to break the fast and share food together. The program will be as follows:
5:30 PM: Walk-in at the Westerkerk
5:45 PM: Start of the dialogue at the Westerkerk. We will divide into smaller groups and discuss some questions about fasting, faith and spiritual life.
6:30 PM: Move to the Fatih Mosque. The mosque is at walking distance of the church; it's about a ten-minute walk.
6:59 PM: Breaking of the fast; after we break the fast, we share a meal together. At the set time, you can join the evening prayer.
9 PM: End of the evening. We all return home with full bellies and hearts.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to newconnective@vu.nl!