Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Iftar

The company was invited to an Iftar sponsored by the YMMA. What is that and what is that!
An iftar is the meal that Muslims eat to break the fast during the month of Ramadan. The YMMA is the Young Men''s Muslim Association.

I have attended several iftar's while in Saudi Arabia so I was familiar with the program.

We ended up being late as our driver got a ticket for making an illegal U turn. Thus we ended up walking in during the middle of the Inman's prayer and he was sitting at the head table where we were invited to sit. Made things kind of awkward.

After the call to prayer was announced on the radio we ate dates and drank water which is the traditional way to break the fast. We followed this with some spicy porridge and Sri Lankan short bites.

We were introduced to everyone and we showed a movie about Muslim's in America which was very interesting.

Now I know what some of you are thinking. Aren't you a Christian? Yes I am. I don't think I was doing anything wrong. I don't feel guilty about going. Even President Obama hosted an Iftar at the White House, as well as President Bush. I felt it was a cultural experience.