Iftar On The Mount

We were just finishing a photo session on top of a hill in Centennial Park prior to sunset, when members of the local Muslim community started gathering for Iftar, to break their fast at sunset on this last day of Ramadan.

As we were packing up and making ready to leave, I made a comment to the gathering group, that the top of the mount and the beauty of the sunset would make for a wonderful place to break the fast. Immediately, we were invited to come and share in the feast and prayers. I walked over and explained that I was most grateful for the invitation, and sad that I had other commitments which prevented us from joining them. Hospitality is deeply part of Islam, and I was wanting to make sure that I meant no offense by not being able to accept their most kind and gracious offer of inclusion in the feast.

Through the connections I have made with my fellow photographers around the globe, I've come to know more about Islam and the celebrations throughout the year, especially about Ramadan, the daily Iftar or breaking of the fast during the month of Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr which should come tomorrow, that marks the end of Ramadan, and the fast.

The more I know about others the easier it is to share, even in our differences.

I left the group at the top of the hill with a smile, a handshake and a hope that they would be able to see the new moon, which marks Eid ul-Fitr. tomorrow.

Almost to my car, I turned and saw this breathtaking scene. The Muslim group, gathered at the top of the hill, against that magnificent sunset. A beautiful sight to see and take inside. Fortunately, my camera was handy, and I caught that light, as a memory to hold on to.

Insha'Allah.(God willing) I hope the group can see the moon tomorrow, if not, as the gentleman said to me, see it or not, they will know that it is there, behind the clouds.

mattpenning.com