Ramadan Promotes Unity and Interfaith Relationships

by Aysha Qamar

Ramadan is upon us and is being celebrated by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Churches, Temples and Synagogues have shown their support for Muslims in America by posting signs outside their doors or on social media wishing their Muslim neighbors a happy Ramadan.

Over 80 percent of Muslims living in the United States fast during Ramadan, according to Pew Research Center. The research center estimates that there are about 3.45 million Muslims of all ages living in the United States.

Its 2017 survey of U.S. Muslims found that more adults fast during Ramadan than pray five times a day or attend mosque. It also found that more women fast during Ramadan than wear the traditional hijab hair and neck covering throughout the year.

As different faiths join Muslims in breaking fast and creating interfaith dialogue and relationships a significant relationship in the U.S. has been built this year between the First Baptist Church of Ameria and Muslims.

Known for playing a key role in forming what is often referred to as the Separation of Church and State and the Free Exercise of Religion, the First Baptist Church in America in Providence, RI is also known as the oldest church congregation in the country founded by Roger Williams in 1938.

This Ramadan the Church extended its best wishes to Muslims in the country by wishing them a Ramadan Mubarak.

This relationship alongside many others has created a feeling of unity and support. With the recent events targetting religious institutions, fear has spread amongst many.  Ramadan being a spiritual time is a great time for different faith backgrounds to come together and prove we can coexist.