Since 2005, the Muslim Public Affairs Council has held a Tent of Abraham event at the Muslim Community Center associated with the Mosque on Heim Road in Williamsville. The event is held during Ramadan, the Muslim 40 day fast. During this fast, practicing Muslims rise before sunrise, perform special prayers and have no food or drink until evening when “two stars” can be seen in the sky. At that time, they break their fast with dates and then have a community meal. For many Muslims Ramadan is a time of great joy and community celebration. Special donations are made to the poor, and each evening, Muslims go to the Mosque for the reading of Quran. During the 40 days, Quran is read in its entirety.

In 2005, in an effort to reach out to the community and to become better known in an era of Islamophobia, Faith leaders from many traditions and the community at large was invited to break the fast together with MPAC providing a celebratory meal. All was free, though donations of food and money were suggested.

Faith leaders, spoke briefly offering welcome and their own faith’s perspective on fasting and communal meals. Each year, public officials and FBI members also spoke. In 2008, a 4.5 mile interfaith walk was added which began at North Presbyterian Church and ended at the mosque on Heim Road.

This year, Carl Trost and I did the walk alongside about 20 other people. We carried a large banner. When we arrived at the mosque we were greeted with a wonderful meal. Buffalo Friends Meeting donated to the event and was listed as a co-sponsor.

I have been attending both events since its inception in 2005. It is a joyous occasion, and Friends are encouraged to attend when it happens again. Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar so the time of the event changes each year.