Join us for an evening of community, food, shared prayer and celebration at the Green Deen Tribe’s ethical iftar! People from all faiths and none are welcome. Read on to find out what to expect (if you’ve not been to an iftar before), and to learn more about the background to Ethical Iftar week.
Please note, while this is a donation based event, we do ask that all attendees register in advance. All proceeds will go towards supporting the work of The Green Deen Tribe and St Ethelburga’s.
The blessed month of Ramadan is a time of sacrifice, deep reflection, and strengthening our connection to Allah. It is also a time of Jammah (community) with communal prayer and the sharing of meals, which play an important role throughout the month. At the same time, we often witness an increase in the use of disposable plastics, food wastage, and an increase of meat in our diet. These habits contribute to the environmental crisis and contradict our role as Khalifa (stewards) of the Earth, as well as, having a detrimental impact on our spirituality and connection to the Divine.’ Rabiah Mali, Co Founder of Green Dean Tribe
Q: What does iftar mean?
A: The ritual fasting of the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. An iftar is the ‘breaking of the fast’ which happens at Maghrib prayer (the prayer after sunset).The moment of breaking the fast is a sacred time, where prayers offered are elevated and a time to share the blessing of a meal with others. It is not just a fasting from food and drink during the day, but it is also an undertaking to refrain from actions and thoughts that are not oriented towards the Divine.
Q: What is the programme for the evening?
A:
7pm- Doors open
715pm- The Opening- Quranic recitation (English/Arabic) and Intention Setting
735pm- Dua-
749pm- Call to Prayer (Adhan)- Sharing of dates and water
810pm- Group Salah (prayer)
(A reading)
820pm- Soup
(A reading)
835pm- Main Meal
9pm- Dessert and tea
915pm- Closing Prayer/Gratitude
Q: Do I have to fast in order to attend this Iftar?
A: No, this iftar is open to anyone who would like to join and we welcome all faith or non faith backgrounds. As Muslims we do not eat between Sunrise till Sunset and although you do not need to fast to join the Iftar, you are more than welcome to try to observe the fast on the day. You can do this by not eating or drinking after an early meal at dawn until the iftar, you are also invited to spend your fast in reflection and awareness of your relationship with the Divine, the Earth and community.
We will be praying the evening prayer, collectively before the evening meal will be served. We invite all attendees to use this time to be in a space of quiet reflection.
Q: Do I need to bring anything?
A: It is customary to bring a dish or some dates to share at an iftar, however, in order to be more mindful of plastic use and food waste, we are asking our guests to donate to the iftar instead of bringing a dish.
To support us in making this event plastic and waste conscious, we ask that all attendees bring along their own plate, spoon and cup. Please bring your own tupperware for leftovers so we can also help to reduce food waste.
Q: What is the Ethical Iftar challenge?
A: The ethical iftar week is an invitation to revive the sunnahs of intentional eating and ethical consumption. Iftars can be a time of waste and excess, so we invite you all to reflect on ways we can change this through three core goals: reduced meat consumption, no single-use plastic and no food waste.
Q: How do I get more involved in Ethical Iftar week?
A: The Ethical Iftar Week will take place from Sunday 10th April- Sunday 17th April. On the day of your choice, we invite you to prepare your own meat-free meal, with no single-use plastic and food waste. Share your journey with us and the Green Deen Tribe community through photos, videos and even written reflections. You can tag your posts with #ethicaliftarchallenge to join our global community!
The Green Deen tribe is here to support you through this journey. Check out the ethical Iftar information pack to find out how to hold your very own ethical Iftar at home
The Green Deen Tribe is a not-for-profit initiative inspired by Ibrahim Abdul Matin’s book Green Deen: What Islam Teaches about Protecting the Planet, which seeks to reconnect to the integral relationship of nature and the Islamic teachings of spirituality and tending to the Earth. It is the idea that through deepening our understanding of the role of Khalifa and our connection to the Earth, we deepen our love and relationship with Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). As Muslims, our relationship with the Earth is an integral part of our belief and Divine connection. Over the past few years we have hosted film screenings, retreats, workshops, walks and other spaces with the intent of holding nature in a sacred space.