German Muslim Students Intercultural Iftar - Humanity Meets at Mealtimes

Islamic student associations in Germany decided to derive the most benefit from the last days of the holy month not only in spiritual retreat but also for social interaction. One of the foremost benefits was the common iftar.

Among, at least, 17 German cities, students iftar -Meetings were organized during this Ramadan 2008. Eight of these 17 associations - namely, Aachen, Heidelberg, Giessen, Dortmund, Koblenz, Würzburg, Cologne and Bonn - arranged an “intercultural iftar week” during Ramadan. In all of them, the iftar didn’t take place in mosques, but in universities or public spaces. Hundreds of non-Muslims accepted the invitation of their fellow-students and after a while; beaming faces, saturated stomachs and satisfied minds were the results. Everyone was happy. Humanity meets at mealtimes!

The totality of the Muslim student body, represented by the German Council of Muslim Students (Rat muslimischer Studierender und Akademiker) wanted to build on this foundation and create a tradition. Muslims and their iftar in Ramadan have become already fixed elements of the cultural life in Germany. Suspicions at universities and disputes about dignified prayer rooms should be replaced by dialogue, tolerance and social encounters. Through this gesture, Muslim students wanted to set a definite signal for their wish of a peaceful coexistence, a pleasant climate and to bring well to society.