Oklahoma City-area Muslims share Ramadan revelations

Oklahoma Muslims recently shared insights about an important time of the year for their faith tradition.

"Revealing Ramadan" was hosted by the Islamic Society in partnership with the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Oklahoma. The event, held Tuesday at the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City's Mercy Mission Center, was designed to bring local Muslims together with the non-Muslim community for an evening of interfaith discussion and dinner focusing on Ramadan and Islam.

Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, is one of the five pillars, or obligations, of Islam. Many Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink and sensual pleasures from dawn to sunset during the month, which commemorates the divine revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.

Tuesday's event drew a crowd of about 60 people who seemed eager to learn more about Islam and Ramadan fasting. Guests listened to a dentist describe in humorous, informative fashion what Ramadan means to her.

Attendees were encouraged to eat a free meal offered by several local restaurants, including Zam Zams. Laughter erupted when guests were assured that it was OK to eat in front of the fasting Muslims who would not be able to eat until sundown.

After a panel discussion about the holy month, led by Imad Enchassi, senior imam of the Islamic Society, guests were treated to a tour of the society's mosque, 3815 St. Clair Ave. adjacent to the Mercy Mission Center.