Wednesday evening, August 10, 2011, the members of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Memphis, opened their doors to welcome their neighbors from across the street to share dinner with them. Their guests? The members of the Islamic Association of Greater Memphis. The occasion? Iftar, the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the month of Ramadan. Besides this being an interfaith fellowship, the most unusual thing about this "dinner date" is that the guests brought the food, and such a feast it was!
But first, the fellowship! There were greetings from representatives from both congregations, recitations from the Qur'an and the Bible, and information shared about the history and traditions of both Ramadan and Pentecost, as the two seasons overlap. In comparing Christian and Muslim holy days, Ramadan is similar to Lent, in that both are seasons of prayer, repentance, self denial, fasting and charity. Brother Ma'an Kudaimi shared some of the most important aspects of Ramadan. He said through fasting, they learn what it is to experience hunger and thirst and want, so as to be more empathetic with those who are less fortunate. They also hope these disciplines will help them draw closer to Allah, to build more strength of character and a stronger will to walk in humility and choose right over wrong all year long.
The evening was not without humor, as three lovely Islamic girls shared a "fasting song," that ended with the phrase, "Can't wait to fast again next year!" St. Luke's senior pastor, Dr. Mark Matheny, as usual, produced songs appropriate to the occasion. This time he had added three verses to the song, "This land is your land, this land is my land." The last two lines were, "We all are seeking what God envisions, this world was made to live in peace!"
The tables were colorfully set, with a plate of dates in the center of each, as it is Ramadan tradition to break the fast each day at sunset by eating 3 dates. An abundant feast was served, including couscous, rice, kebabs, pita bread and vegetables. For dessert, there was Baklava and another phyllo pastry with a creamy cheese filling. It was all so delicious.
Refreshing liquids were plentiful as well, with lemonade, tea, and guava juice. Lots of bottled water was available to satisfy the thirst of those who had been fasting faithfully all day, in the Memphis, summer heat.
In closing, Dr. Mark Matheny extemporaneously served up another song to tickle the ears, sung to the 1959 show tune, "Edelweiss." Here are the words.
Ramadan, Ramadan,
Thanks for sharing it with us.
May we all grow in peace,
grown in friendship forever.
Iftan, my friends, it is so divine,
Like discovered treasure.
Allah, God, bless all hearts,
Bless all hearts beyond measure.
All St. Lukes friends know that no event is complete without Pastor Mark's songs, customized to fit the occasion.
What a wonderful time it was, of sharing, prayer, exchange of culture and reminiscing. Compliments and gratitude were the order of the night, as members of each congregation expressed appreciation for neighborly favors granted throughout the years. Many individuals' dedicated labor contributed to the success of the event, which was co-planned by Muslim leader Dr. Nabil Bayakly and St. Luke’s Dr. Victor Feisal. It was indeed a success and the joint consensus was that such an enjoyable event should become an annual tradition.
God bless us, everyone!
Meet the neighbors!
Islamic Association of Greater Memphis
Masjid Al-Noor
3529 Mynders Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111St. Luke's United Methodist Church
480 S. Highland
Memphis, TN 38111-4302
901.452.6262
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