Despite having a reputation as one of Europe’s most secular countries, the Czech Republic created space for an interfaith conversation at a fasting event hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which brought together members of different religions to share a meal on March 8.
The evening was meant to encourage respect and understanding across religious and cultural differences by reflecting on fasting traditions in different belief systems and simply sharing a meal together. The organizers hoped to encourage dialogue and strengthen connections within a diverse community.
The discussion featured four speakers sharing perspectives from their faith traditions. Sylvie Wittmannová, a Jewish educator and congregation founder, began the evening by explaining the role of fasting in Judaism, where it is often connected to reflection, repentance and spiritual renewal.
Pavol Bargár, a philosophy and religious studies professor at Charles University, followed with a presentation of Christian fasting practices, particularly during Lent, describing it as a time of sacrifice and spiritual discipline for many Christians.
Dr. Htuann Naung, chargé d’affaires at the Myanmar Embassy in the Czech Republic then shared a Buddhist perspective as he talked about moderation, mindfulness and awareness of desire as important parts of fasting in Buddhism.
Lastly, Kashif Janjua, chairman of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the Czech Republic, concluded the panel by sharing details of Ramadan, when Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset for a month as an act of devotion, self-discipline and empathy for those in need.
Because the event took place on International Women’s Day, each speaker also reflected on the importance of women in their religious traditions and communities, and female attendees were gifted flowers at the end of the evening.
Following the discussion, guests were invited to share an Iftar dinner, the customary meal which breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. Traditional Middle Eastern dishes were served along with tasty desserts. The shared meal created an opportunity for conversation and connection, allowing attendees to experience one aspect of Islamic tradition together no matter their religious beliefs.
In a country where many people do not identify with a religion, this event offered a rare opportunity for open discussion about faith. The evening reflected the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s motto: “Love for all, hatred for none.”
The fasting month of Ramadan will conclude with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr at sundown on March 19, marking the end of the period of fasting and reflection.
