Bay Area residents from all spiritual and cultural backgrounds are being cordially invited and warmly encouraged to attend an Interfaith open house, which will be hosted by the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC) on Saturday, August 13, 2011 in celebration of the month of Ramadan.
Individuals who are Muslim and Non-Muslim, or who define themselves as atheist or “not religious or spiritual” are also sincerely welcome and encouraged to attend. All that is required is a genuine interest in learning more about one’s neighbors in the greater Bay Area community.
Participants who attend this special event will have the opportunity to hear a recitation from the Qur’an and learn more about the traditions of Ramadan and Islamic spirituality during a talk and panel discussion before enjoying dinner as part of Iftar (breaking of the fast). Those who are interested will also be welcome to observe or participate in Maghrib prayer (sunset prayer).
No special attire is required. (Click on the photograph on the left hand side of this column to view an image of one of the previous Interfaith dinners hosted by the Islamic Cultural Center for an example of what attendees typically wear.)
As the only center in the Bay Area dedicated to nurturing the full spectrum of Islamic Art and culture, the ICCNC makes its programs available to everyone, regardless of background or belief. According to several Bay Area residents who have attended these and other programs at this Oakland-based center, ICCNC staff, members, and volunteers present exhibits and events that frequently uplift and inspire, as well as educate and encourage dialogue and collaboration.
Registration for this event will open at 7:00 p.m. The program will begin at 7:15. RSVPs are requested. For more information, or to RSVP, please call: (510) 832-7600, or e-mail: info@iccnc.org.
Parking for ICCNC events is almost always easy to find. In addition to the availability of spaces at a small lot next to the ICCNC, many more spaces are available at a larger lot (paid, but reasonably priced) at the corner of 14th and Jackson, which is within a short walk of the ICCNC. Street parking is also frequently available within a one to two block radius.
Organizers of this event hope that residents from Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and other communities throughout all counties of the greater Bay Area will bring their families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or fellow members of their spiritual communities to join in this shared educational event and celebration of Interfaith harmony.
Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California
1433 Madison Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 832-7600
www.iccnc.org/
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