July 31, 2012 > An open invitation to Ramadan dinner An open invitation to Ramadan dinner Submitted By Moina Shaiq On Saturday, Aug 4, members of Tri Cities - Fremont, Union City, and Newark Muslim community will celebrate and reach out to their neighbors of all faiths by hosting a traditional Ramadan Iftar, or fast-breaking dinner, at Islamic Society of East Bay. "As more than one billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Ramadan by fasting and appreciating the blessings given to us, it is equally important for the American Muslim community to reach out to our neighbors as an example of true Islamic ideals," said Ahsan Baig, Outreach Committee Chair. "We are here to show our friends and neighbors that American Muslims will continue to be contributing members of our society," said Baig. Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God's commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the "five pillars" of Islam. The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called "Eid ul-Fitr," or Feast of the Fast-Breaking, on August 19, 2012. (Because Ramadan is a lunar month, the actual date is governed by sighting of the new moon. Ask local coordinators for exact dates and times.) There are an estimated 10,000 Muslims in the East Bay Area and some seven million nationwide. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world. Ramadan Dinner Saturday, Aug 4 Islamic Society of East Bay 33330 Peace Terrace, Fremont (510) 429-4732 outreach@iseb.org