This document discusses Iftar dinners held by various Muslim community centers and mosques in Minnesota during Ramadan. It provides details about the opportunities for interfaith and community connections at these events, including breaking the fast together, observing evening prayers, sharing a meal, asking questions, and meeting new friends from different backgrounds. The events allow non-Muslim guests to learn about Islam from the community's perspective and experience aspects of their daily Ramadan observances in a welcoming environment. In 2014, over 18 centers across Minnesota hosted these Iftar dinners and saw more than 590 guests in attendance.

1. Minnesota Council of Churches
Muslim American Society

2. What can you expect at a
Taking Heart Iftar?

3. Welcoming community members
Muslim American Society –
Inver Grove Community Center

4. An opportunity to be a guest

5. So you can get
Northwest Islamic
Community Center, Plymouth

6. Up close
Northwest Islamic
Community Center, Plymouth

7. If you are wondering
what it will be like
Islamic Civic Society of American,
Masjid Dar Al Hijrah, Minneapolis

8. To enter someone else’s world
Islamic Civic Society of American,
Masjid Dar Al Hijrah, Minneapolis

9. There is an opportunity
for learning
Masjid Ar Rahman Islamic Center
Bloomington

10. You hear from a
community’s perspective
Northwest Islamic
Community Center, Plymouth

11. about Islam,
Muslim American Society –
Blaine Community Center

12. Ramadan…fasting…
Masjid An Nur
Minneapolis

13. and have time for Q & A
Al Farooq Youth & Family Center
Bloomington

14. In 2014 we also celebrated the 50th
Anniversary of the Civil Rights Legislation
of 1964 which outlawed segregation

15. There is the breaking of the fast
with dates
Islamic Center of Woodbury

16. together
Islamic Center of Woodbury

17. Guests observe the community
in their evening prayer

18. Then share a tasty meal
Muslim American Society –
Blaine Community Center

19. In each unique setting
Muslim American Society –
Blaine Community Center

20. Becoming acquainted
Ja’afari Islamic Center
Brooklyn Park

21. Leaning in and sharing
perspectives
Masjid Ar Rahman Islamic Center
Bloomington

22. Together in a new way
Masjid An Nur
Minneapolis

23. Personal discussions
Northwest Islamic
Community Center, Plymouth

24. Meeting new friends
Islamic Civic Society of American,
Masjid Dar Al Hijrah, Minneapolis

25. A community gathering of all
community members
Islamic Civic Society of American,
Masjid Dar Al Hijrah, Minneapolis

26. Connection sharing
Masjid Al Ihsan
St. Paul

27. Between groups of all sizes
Niagara Foundation
Univ of Minnesota, St. Paul

28. shapes
Masjid Al Ihsan
St. Paul

29. And numbers
Islamic Center of Woodbury

30. Look who we spotted at an Iftar…
Islamic Civic Society of American,
Masjid Dar Al Hijrah, Minneapolis

31. Interfaith religious leaders,
Masjid Al Iman
NE Minneapolis

32. Elected officials
Northwest Islamic
Community Center, Plymouth

33. … police officers, teachers, social
workers – community leaders and
friends!
Muslim American Society –
Inver Grove Community Center

34. Some Centers gave tours – and guests saw
schools, food shelves, medical clinics
Masjid Imam Hussein
Brooklyn Center

35. and beautiful facilities
Muslim American Society –
Inver Grove Community Center

36. Whether you encounter a crowd
Northwest Islamic
Community Center, Plymouth

37. Or one person
Masjid Al Ihsan
St. Paul

38. There is an opportunity to leave
Northwest Islamic
Community Center, Plymouth

39. Having tried new things
Muslim American Society –
Blaine Community Center

40. Delicious food
Muslim American Society –
Inver Grove Community Center

41. New ways of connecting
Imam Hussain Islamic Center
Brooklyn Center

42. And having met someone who
has had different experiences
Masjid Al Iman
NE Minneapolis

43. In 2014 -- 18 masjid/Islamic centers
(including Bemidji and Duluth!)
590+ registrations of guests
Islamic Civic Society of American,
Masjid Dar Al Hijrah, Minneapolis

44. Thanks for passing the word –
hope to see you in 2015!