District 88 participates in community events to recognize and celebrate Ramadan

District 88 recently participated in two local events to recognize and celebrate Ramadan.

On Feb. 25, Addison Township hosted its first Community Iftar (pictured above), which included traditional dishes. Trustee Max Ashrafi helped coordinate the evening, and Addison Trail alumnus Subhaan Ashrafi (class of 2012 and founder of the school's Muslim Student Association) served as the featured speaker. As part of the event, the township also hosted a Ramadan Toy Drive in partnership with the community and members of District 88’s Muslim Student Associations, which will benefit families in need as they prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast).

On Feb. 26, the Islamic Foundation in Villa Park hosted its annual Ramadan Dinner Interfaith and Outreach. The evening featured traditional dishes and several speakers.

District 88 students, administrators and Board of Education members participated in the events, which took place to bring community members together, strengthen relationships and recognize the importance of Ramadan.

According to www.bbc.com/news/explainers-56695447, “Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran – Islam’s holy book – were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During this period, Muslims are required to fast and to give to charity, to show kindness and patience and to strengthen their relationship with God.” Ramadan falls on a different date every year, due to the cycles of the moon. This year, with Ramadan starting on Feb. 17 and having an expected end date of March 19, Eid al-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast) is expected to begin on March 19 or 20, depending on the sighting of the moon.