Ramadan session fosters inclusiveness
Muslims of Santa Clarita hosts community gathering and question-and-answer event in Canyon Country
Beth Jensen admitted she knew very little about Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting which begins later this month. She said she had a curiosity about Islam and wanted to understand others in her community better.
That’s why she attended an event Saturday in Canyon Country, hosted by the group Muslims of Santa Clarita, or MOSC. The group invited members of the SCV Friendly Progressive Families, a group focusing on social action in Santa Clarita, as well as members of local area mosques.
“We didn’t know anything about Islam,” said Jensen. “I’m always interested in learning what other people believe and why they believe it. This was really eye opening.”
Organizers and guest speakers provided information about MOSC’s community involvement, an information session about Ramadan, a question and answer session, followed by a social element with a food truck. Approximately 40 people attended the event, which also featured babysitting and Ramadan-themed activities for the children.
Jensen, who attended with her husband Chris and two young children, is Jewish. She admits she doesn’t regularly practice the religion. The family typically observes big holidays like Rosh Hashanah or Hanukkah.
As a teen, she observed fasts for Yom Kippur, which is a one day fast. However, she hasn’t participated in many years.
“I remember doing it as a teenager and couldn’t wait to break my fast,” she explained. “I can’t imagine doing it for a month.”
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours for 30 days. Food and drinks are allowed before and after sunrise and sunset only. Other observances include refraining from negative actions; lying, stealing, saying things to harm others. Muslims are also called on to complete acts of charity during the 30 day period, which celebrates the revelation of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.
“It was a way for them to get to know our group MOSC and the volunteer work we are involved in, as well as get to know other groups and provide a short educational piece on fasting,” said Arif Harsolia, who is a member of the MOSC advisory board.
Speakers explained many of the practices and fielded questions regarding fasting, including whether children fast, managing fasting with a work schedule, as well as simpler questions about cravings.
Attendees were especially curious how children obsessed Ramadan. Muslim children aren’t required to fast until they reach puberty. Most children watch their parents fast, and become curious. Parents often allow younger children to “try” a fast for a day or half day on the weekend.
“I think its good for people to understand Muslims are regular people,” Harsolia commented. “Sometimes when you see someone do something different from you, you may feel afraid; but we want people to know what we are about and that we are good people.”
Similarities, not differences
This was the first MOSC event Komal Kazi attended, but she was excited about the collaboration between the two groups.
“We live in a beautiful community with all kinds of cultures,” said Kazi. “Our children know about Easter and Christmas; this is one way for us to share our culture with others.”
Laila Hawe is a part of the SCV FPF group. She was raised Muslim, but no longer practices the religion. Her husband is Irish Catholic. They don’t raise their children adhering to one specific religion, but allow them to ask questions about everything. She brought her children to help expose them to the Muslim traditions.
“In the current climate, it’s important to interact with people who have a similar outlook on topics, but not necessarily religious perspectives,” she explained.
Emily Skelton, co-founder of SCV Friendly Progressive Families, explained she wanted to offer this collaboration to help build community.
“I think it’s important bridges are built in Santa Clarita,” she said. “Our community is built on different types of people. It’s important to talk to each other; it makes us stronger in the long run.”
Skelton also explained, as a Unitarian Universalist, diversity and understanding different religions is important to her values.
“I like to expose my son to diversity and want him to have friends that are not exactly the same as he is,” she said. “I would encourage people to talk to other people from different backgrounds. They might be surprised how similar they are.”