Fasting
The spiritual and physical imperatives
Speakers
* Dr Hassan Ibrahim Ali (Psychiatrist Consultant)
**John Woodhouse (Catholic interfaith activist)
***Sara Abidi (Lecturer At the Islamic College)
***Revd Michael Redman (Curate in St Barnabas, Bethnal Green)
Refraining from eating or drinking for protracted periods of time constitutes fasting. In Islam, this is closely regulated and linked to other natural phenomenon such as dawn and sunset. It is a form of worship which human beings are expected to observe for one lunar month each year. It is observed by all Muslims on the planet except the sick, the traveller and the child. It is part of the moralistic disciplines associated with worship and aims at perfecting mankind. When Muslims observe fasting in the month of Ramadan they are urged to adopt a strict moral code in behaviour and social commitments as much as their dietary timing is regulated.
7.15 pm, Tuesday, 19th March 2024
Venue: Abrar House, 45 Crawford Place, W1H 4LP
The meeting will be preceded by prayers and iftar at 6.30 pm
(breaking the fast and dinner). All are welcome to join
You can also participate on Zoom using this link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85680888416?pwd=THBPWHhCRkxEeWtMQWlJVHBycExOUT09Meeting ID: 856 8088 8416
Password: 000000
Or on Youtube on this link:
*Dr Hassan Ibrahim Ali is a Psychiatrist Consultant with the NHS. He was born in Bahrain where completed his primary and secondary education. He then studied at the Medical School in Basra, Iraq. He moved to the UK where he worked as a doctor before specializing in psychiatry. He lectures and comments on religious and ethical issues, delivering lectures and participating in debates.
**John Woodhouse is a Roman Catholic who organises the Westminster cathedral interfaith group and is the co-ordinator of Laudato Si’ animators UK. John is an organist and choirmaster at St John the Evangelist, Caterham Valley. He has been married to Liz for 47 years (they met in the Philharmonic chorus) and they have 3 children and 3 grandsons. He paints in oils, enjoys swimming, opera and the proms and is a retired librarian.
***Sara Abidi is a Lecturer at the Islamic College, London. She is also a Research Assistant at the College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, Master of Science and Master of Arts degree. She is a PhD candidate in Islamic studies.
****The Revd. Michael Redman is the curate in St Barnabas, Bethnal Green in the Diocese of London and the Church of England representative on the Tower Hamlets interfaith forum. He was previously curate in St Paul’s Church, North Marylebone and was at one time interfaith adviser in the Westminster and City of London areas. He studied (alongside John Woodhouse!) interfaith relations in Heythrop College and later Buddhism and Jainism in SOAS. He has produced youtube videos on how Christians can learn from other faiths. He is a member of the World Congress of Faiths and has contributed to its journal, Interreligious Insight.
Admission is Free. Please register for catering purposes – email: d05sa@yahoo.co.uk or text 07795 660 438
