(Ridah A./Staff)

Columbus Academy community members gathered in the dining hall on Friday, March 10, for an Iftar, the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast. MECCA (the Muslim affinity group) hosted the occasion.

The Iftar began at 6:00 p.m. with organizers Ms. Chahal and Zaina A. explaining the purpose of Ramadan and Iftar. Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar, which is known for fasting, worship, service, communal gathering, and spiritual development. Iftar celebrates the end of fasting during Ramadan. 

After their presentation, an example of a Muslim prayer was shared prior to the meal. The food was provided by Mecca families provided the food and the Lávash café catered authentic Mediterranean cuisines, such as grape leaves, dates, falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, pita, basmati rice, and Moroccan chicken as the entrée. 

Members of our three divisions celebrated together. Community members laughed and took pictures together, tried new foods, and had a deeper understanding of Ramadan and Muslim traditions. Ms. Chahal said, “it was so wonderful to be able to share a meal and information about our community. Academy is a big part of many of our families, so having a chance to connect in that way was so special. We hope to make this a yearly tradition, inshAllah!” 

As everyone ate and socialized, it was apparent that MECCA’S first Iftar dinner was a success.