Groton Muslims Gather For Iftar

Clanging and chattering echoed through the halls of the Islamic Center of New London on a recent Saturday night, as 250 congregates gathered for iftar, a meal ceremony in which Muslims break their fast during the month of Ramadan.

A festive atmosphere fell over the crowd. Members greeted each other and embraced missed relatives. Foil-covered food trays streamed from kitchens, as cooks called orders to children playing in walkways.

Years ago, a ceremony of this size would have been impossible for the center, which had occupied rented space part-time from a karate studio. The congregation now spans multiple generations.

The ceremony began at sunset with a small appetizer of dates, punch, and bread rolls, and was followed by a short prayer. Once completed, hungry members stood patiently in line for an assortment of meat, vegetables, and curried rice.

“It’s a mixture of everything,” said Holly Khader, who converted to Islam in 1997 from the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. “It’s potluck, [but] it’s all Mediterranean tonight.”

Fasting is an important element of Ramadan. Muslims gather for the suhoor, a meal consumed before sunrise, around 3 a.m., and do not eat again until after sunset, around 8 p.m. This evening meal, the iftar, is typically done as a community. Iftar ceremonies have been known to be catered or hosted by a family or group of families.

“No matter where [we] come from, whether it’s from Malaysia or Bangladesh or Lebanon or Palestine,” said Khader, “We’re all equal. Islam knows no color; no difference in origin. We’re all the same.”

After the iftar meal, members of the congregation engaged in conversation while awaiting their long night of prayer. Some members picked at dessert. Others, in a post-Thanksgiving-like daze, discussed food.

“I hope there’s Indian tomorrow,” said Ola Mansour, waxing about butter chicken with a group of her friends.

Younger members of the center talked about pop culture, debating topics such as Zac Efron and the latest iPhone.

The Islamic Center’s youth group, like the center itself, has seen a population burst over the years.

“I have a really good non-Muslim support system. My friends are really open and actually curious about Islam,” said Rubaiyat, a leader of the youth group and intern with the Council of American-Islamic Relations. “I think I’ve done a lot to create that environment. I’ve had them come over to my mosque and had them come over to my house.”

Rubaiyat, along with Anyssa Dhaouadi, president of the youth group, organized an iftar event at Connecticut College later this month for non-Muslims and other interested parties.

The Islamic Center of New London is in the midst of a new and bustling season — one that promises to leave us hungry for more.