BIDDEFORD — People of all backgrounds came together to share a meal Saturday evening and break the Ramadan fast at the fourth annual Biddeford Community Iftar Dinner.

Eisha Khan and her partner, City Councilor Liam LaFountain, have organized community iftars in Biddeford since 2022. Events like this build “a sense of community and belonging,” Khan said.

“Our communities are so excited to be with one another, especially during these times when people are not feeling too safe, but also want to express their joy and love for their community,” Khan said.

One of the holiest times in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan began on the evening of Feb. 28 this year, and will last through March, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. During the holy month, many Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, then gather for iftar — the fast-breaking dinner — after the Maghrib prayer.

This year’s event took place at the University of New England in partnership with the university’s Muslim Student Association. The theme celebrated Islamic art and culture, with performances by local artists.

“Community is such a big part of Ramadan for us,” said Sabah Sabir, a first-year medical student at UNE and the secretary of the Muslim Student Association.

Sabir, who is originally from Massachusetts, said that having a diverse community is especially important for newcomers to Maine.

“A big part is obviously coming to Maine, it’s a lot less diverse than we’re used to, and so it’s scary being away from home for the Ramadan,” she said. 

But events like this ease some of that anxiety.

“I was just home this past weekend, and I was telling my family about all the iftars we had done and looking forward to this event,” Sabir said. “It’s been so nice to have a community here, but just extending it out to the public and seeing people of all faiths and all walks of life is really awesome.”

Khan said she’s always thrilled by the number of people who come to the community iftar. This year, 200 people reserved seats for the event.

“Sometimes it can be isolating, and (this event is) a reminder that the Muslim community alone is 1.9 billion people, and our isolation is just social fabric that can be changed,” Khan said, “and part of that is finding allyship and community with those who are here.”

People filed in and found their seats at long tables Saturday while listening to music on the traditional oud, a string instrument played by musician Jawad Al Fatlawi. After the call to prayer, guests grabbed dinner provided by Jaffa Mediterranean Grill.

Zoe Sahloul, executive director of the New England Arab American Organization, said she’s been coming to the Biddeford iftar for a few years now.

“Seeing everyone here in the space, different people, different areas, and it’s beautiful to come and enjoy the blessing of Ramadan together,” said Sahloul, whose organization is based in Westbrook.

Ramadan is a time to be thankful, she said.

“It’s a ritual of every day, to be grateful of everything we are doing together with the community, with our family, being safe and healthy,” Sahloul said.

Other guests and organizers all expressed a similar sentiments.

“(There’s) a lot of community collaboration, a lot of joy,” said Sabir, the Muslim Student Association secretary.