As the sun set over downtown District of Columbia on Wednesday during Ramadan's final week, members of a nearby mosque gathered around trays of chicken and rice, ready to break their daylong fast. But though their tummies were rumbling, they decided to feed the homeless first.
"Any barriers between us and you, we can remove them!" Ieasha Prine, wearing a multicolored hijab, preached as a few dozen people lined up to fill containers with food.
Prine, who worships at Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, in Northern Virginia, was one of a group of Muslims reaching out to the community at this public iftar, the meal eaten by Muslims at the close of each day during Ramadan.
During a week in which suicide bombers possibly linked to the Islamic State attacked an airport in Istanbul, in the same month a man inspired by ISIS killed 49 people at a gay club in Orlando, outreach was important.
"The masses are being blamed for the behavior of the few," Prine said. ". . . It's important that we just not fast in our community."
The iftar, held not far from D.C.'s largest homeless shelter, also came the same day the city's Office of Human Rights organized an event dubbed #FastWithDCMuslims. As the Web site explained: "The Muslim community is frequently targeted for discrimination, and we want to show our Muslim neighbors that D.C. is united against such discrimination."
"The Muslim community indicated it felt left out of anti-discrimination work," Mónica Palacio, the human rights office's director, said at the iftar, sporting a pin that said "Catholic and Fasting -- Ask Me Why." "Invisibility is a key issue, and this is a great response."
Rahim Jenkins, a human rights commissioner who co-sponsored the iftar, said he had attended similar events with every D.C. mayor since Anthony Williams's tenure. But making sure others' bellies are full before breaking a fast isn't just good PR, he said. Ramadan teaches that there are blessings in feeding people.
"Let those that are fasting feed those that are hungry," Jenkins said.
Rallying those in line for food with cries of "Welcome!" Imam Johari Abdul Malik of Dar Al-Hijrah, another co-sponsor of the iftar, said going without during Ramadan, as so many do each day, was a lesson for the body as well as the mind. After a few days of fasting each year, he said, he didn't even feel hungry.
"Ramadan is a training to teach you [that] you have to stay hungry," he said. ". . . You have to stay hungry for the love of God."
There was also at least one Muslim in line to be served. Abdul Kareem Adebayo is visiting the United States from Nigeria. Though he sometimes stays with a friend in Suitland, he said that he is homeless. He was contemplating breaking his fast at a nearby McDonald's until he heard about the iftar.
Adebayo said people in the United States aren't as familiar with Islam as they are in his homeland. But the food was fine, and so was the vibe.
"The love in Nigeria is the same love here," he said.
The Washington Post
Fri Jul 01 2016
Ramadan teaches that there are blessings in feeding people.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.