The Pen and Inkpot Foundation a 501c3 non-profit charity is hosting a wonderful diverse event called a,
'Taste of Ramadan', on Friday, August 13, 2010, at 7:00 pm, during the month of fasting (Ramadan), with co-host, The IPFW office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, at the Walb Student Union IPFW, in Fort wayne, Indiana. 

It's purpose is to give a glimpse and a sound to share in an 'Iftar (fast breaking) with non-Muslims and Muslims and see the beauty and purpose of Ramadan and enjoy a wonderful multicultural dinner and to build bridges through the Muslims' celebrated month called Ramadan (month of fasting) amongst community's, as there are a significant number of Muslim children in our school system and Muslim adults in our communities, Universities and professions. Then reflect on the spiritual concept of fasting common to all faiths.   This event reflects the Multi-cultural vitality of Fort Wayne, as the diversity of our culture, of our palette and of our race as it is reflected in the flavorful taste of our foods.

We all are essentially the ‘Taste of Ramadan’ reflecting each of our unique tonal attributes.   And… it is through the architecture and tastes of our foods we take a glimpse tonight into the diversity of ourselves and our individual faiths to see our similarities not our differences. 

So, what is this Ramadan? Well Ramadan is a month of fasting for Muslims. There are basically five pillars in Islam: Shahhada (oneness of God), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Saum (fasting) and Hajj (the pilgrimage). Today we are celebrating the fourth pillar, called Saum or fasting which is the present month of which we share a taste called Ramadan. And we will journey through a few perspectives, from sharing a view of fasting by various speakers, which is common to all faiths and philosophies.  Essentially, Ramadan or the month of fasting is a spiritual and physically intense 30 days of reflection, sharing, giving, supplication and a self building.

Guest Speakers:

Imam Tamir Rashid:  Imam and Shura Board ICFW and Civil Rights and Interfaith Activist
Professor Noor O’Neil Bosieva: PhD- Department of Anthropology, IPFW
Jim Sparrow: Executive Director, Arts United

A Spiritual Islamic Art will be on exhibit in the Auditorium and Lobby of the Music Center.