Quick pause and then back to BlogHer09 de-briefing!!

Twenty Days!  I can’t believe another year has flown by and that Ramadan is once again at our door steps. Ramadan is practically around the corner -  the 9th month of the Muslim calendar, and it’s most holy! Millions of Muslims around the world commemorate Ramadan by fasting from sunrise to sunset, in an effort to focus more on their intimate relationship with God (Allah). The intention is inner growth and giving of oneself to the less fortunate. The fast is a certain sacrifice and exercise in patience and humility.

Last year I was invited to participate in Ramadan Kareem, a blog consortium of Muslim, Christian and Jewish bloggers. Check out some of last year’s musings. I will be posting a weekly podcast of Ramadan wishes

In a world where ‘establishment’ Islam has caused Islam itself to come under attack – the world’s punching bag if you will, I am really excited to join the blogroll again this year. I am not Muslim, nor do I have any desire to abandon my Christian faith. However, I relish the opportunity to share with you my personal experiences and encounters with Islam and the many wonderful things I have learned from my Muslim and Arab (not mutually exclusive) friends. (You may even get a guest post by an extraordinary woman who recently went on an equally extraordinary journey…stay tuned!)

This year, I will visit some of my favorite Mosques in Philadelphia to participate in inter-faith celebrations. I am interviewing several Muslim women who are active in Philadelphia’s Islamic community and local human/civil rights organizations. I look forward to your thoughts and feedback, and perhaps even your own Ramadan stories.

I hope you will join me – us, as we journey through Islam’s most holy month together.

I first got plugged in with CAIR a few years ago. They do really amazing work and are true advocates for Philadelphia’s Muslim Community. The fact that they work hard at being culturally and racially inclusive gives them extra brownie points in my book.

Upcoming Sharing Ramadan Events:
RSVP by contacting Sharing Ramadan Event Coordinator Justin Peyton 215.592.0509 or e-Mail: cairphilly@gmail.com

Sharing Ramadan Schedule:

September 13 at 6:50 p.m.
Foundation for Islamic Education, 1860 Montgomery Avenue, Villanova, PA

September 13 at 6:50 p.m.
Islamic Society of Greater Valley Forge, 958 Valley Forge Road, Devon, PA

September 14 at 6:50 p.m.
Foundation for Islamic Education, 1860 Montgomery Avenue, Villanova, PA

September 20 at 6:00 p.m.
Upper Providence Elementary School, 833 South Lewis Rd. Building #3, Royersford, PA

September 20 at 6:40 p.m.
Foundation for Islamic Education, 1860 Montgomery Avenue, Villanova, PA

September 20, 2008 at 6:40 pm
North Penn Mosque, 600 Maple Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19466

September 21 at 6:40 p.m.
Foundation for Islamic Education, 1860 Montgomery Avenue, Villanova, PA

September 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Foundation for Islamic Education, 1860 Montgomery Avenue, Villanova, PA

September 27, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Zubaida Foundation, 850 Big Oak Road, Yardley, PA 19067

September 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Foundation for Islamic Education, 1860 Montgomery Avenue, Villanova, PA