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Fasting Brings Two Faith Traditions Together
The Dialog Center of Kansas City dines with the Liberty Stake for Ramadan
Norma King, Director of Media (Rush Creek Ward)
Two faiths, Muslim and Christian, came together for a break-the-fast Ramadan celebration on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
More than 200 adults and children attended the event hosted by the Dialogue Institute of Kansas City and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the church in Liberty.
“Ramadan is a time of unity, fellowship, empathy and awareness of the bounties of God. It is to me like a 30-day Thanksgiving. You come together with family and friends,” said Eyyup Esen, Director of the Dialogue Institute.
Both Muslims and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have fasting traditions. The Muslim faith observes a 30-day Ramadan each year as a holy month where observers fast from dawn to dusk each day. It is a time of prayer, spiritual growth, self-discipline, and community.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints tradition, members fast one day each month for 24 hours, as well as on other occasions. On the monthly fast day they are encouraged to donate the cost of their meals to the needy, said President Michael Beach from the church.
“It is an act of faith to bring healing and to receive answers from God. We come closer to God and more in tune to the spirit to give us direction in our lives,” he said.
Fasting isn’t just deprivation of food and water, said Esen.
“To me it’s kind of like a wake-up call to see what we have, not really deprivation. It is appreciation of water more than ever. To me it’s more of joy, more an excitement. It is not only strengthening relationships with God but with human beings,” he said.
Ashley Muller, a church member who attended the event, said she loved the opportunity to see different cultures come together to break the fast. “It is very evident that we are all God’s children and have so much in common!”
Another Ramadan break-the-fast dinner is planned at Liberty Second Baptist Church on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. It will be cohosted by Second Baptist, The Dialogue Institute of Kansas City, and William Jewell College. For details go to 2bcliberty.org.
Ramadan celebrations are scheduled every day through March 27, 2025.
Thoughts from members of our stake who attended Ramadan:
Matt Austin (Shoal Creek Valley Ward):
“The Ramadan break the fast was an amazing event. This was my first year attending and both my wife and I thought it was great. Getting to know others in our community who are not of our faith is always a good thing. The Muslim family we sat with had a lot of questions about how and why we fast, so it was nice to be able to talk about our beliefs. Outside of religion we both were able to get to know each other from a day to day perspective. To me this is what made the event a success: Seeing each other as normal people in the community as we practice our individual beliefs.”
Julie Edholm (Doniphan Ward)
I look forward each year to participate with the Dialogue Institute in the Ramadan celebrations. I’ve met some wonderful people that come from many parts of the world and have enjoyed getting to know them, their culture, their families, and their faith. This year my husband and I sat with a beautiful family that recently moved to this country. We enjoyed talking with them and laughing with them and their children. The food is wonderful (we are baklava fans) and the relationships are sweet.
Brent Johnston (Rush Creek Ward)
I love attending the Ramadan break-the-fast event each year. I am always strengthened and edified when I spend meaningful time with people from different backgrounds and cultures. The Muslim family we met this year was sweet, sincere, friendly, and faithful. I want to have the kind of faith and reverence they have. I applaud the Dialogue Institute for their ongoing efforts to build bridges and increase unity in our community.
Amanda Backenstoss (North Brook Park Ward)
Break the fast with our Muslim friends was a great experience We enjoyed learning about each other’s fasting traditions and connecting with a sweet family.
Their little son was adorable! It was a meaningful way to embrace the spirit of fasting beyond our own faith, and I appreciated the opportunity.
