Religions of the World - Islam
Thursday, May 24, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. or later
Masjid Al Islam, 40 Sayles Hill Rd, North Smithfield, RI

We have a wonderful opportunity to learn about Islam and even participate in celebrations around one of its five pillars, fasting during the month of Ramadan, during this visit to a Muslim temple, the Masjid Al Islam. 

The Muslim community will be celebrating the Holy month of Ramadan (a month during which faithful Muslims abstain from food and drinks from sunup to sun set) starting around May 16^th.  Every evening during the month of Ramadan, people gather for a break of the fast and prayers.  His month is a very joyful and community focused month. 

During our evening visit on May 24^th, our group will first meet with homeschool fellows who belong to the mosque and will share their traditions during an Info session followed by breaking the fast with watermelons and water. 

We will then have the opportunity to observe a 10 minutes prayer in the mosque. Please note that there are male and female sections in the mosque.  Boys under ten can choose to join their mothers or fathers’ group.  Boys ten and over will join the male group along with Omar (Eva’s son) and Yosefa and Ammar (Aisha’s son). We will be asked to remove our shoes prior to entering the mosque, and women typically ccover their heads with a scrarf. At the conclusion of the prayer, the groups will reconvene for a communal dinner around 8:20.   

Eva suggested that families wishing to make a donation might bring watermelons to share.  Please also note that the community members will be ending a day of about 16 hours of fasting.