Auburn Hills Police Officer Reflects on Ramadan Dinner

Auburn Hills Police Officer Reflects on Ramadan Dinner
(Guest Blogger, Officer Farah Hilliker of Auburn Hills Police Department, July 20, 2016)
Rochester Hills, MI – A couple of weeks ago I had the honor to represent the Chief at the 4th annual Ramadan dinner at the Detroit Islamic center in Rochester Hills. Multiple elected officials, FBI agents, and different religious clergies attended the educational dinner.
During the dinner the Imam explained what Ramadan is and why Muslims celebrate it. Ramadan is the Ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. Ramadan is also the holiest month in Islam. Muslims believe that during Ramadan Mohammed received the word of God, which everyone knows as “Quran”
During the blessed Ramadan Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset. Muslims abstain from food, drinks, or anything of sort. But Ramadan is much more than just fasting. Ramadan is also about purifying the soul, and focusing on the relationship with God.
During the dinner, the Imam opened up the floor to anyone who had any questions about Islam, traditions and politics. The  guests also learned the difference between Islam and radical Islam. The Imam explained why most Muslims are speaking out against ISIS and other radical terrorist groups, and why they don’t represent all Muslims.
David Gelios Special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit division took a minute to speak and expressed his appreciation to the members of the community. Special Agent in Charge Gelios also urged all the guests to remember that unity is very important in the fight against terror, and the importance of community policing.
After all the questions were answered, it was prayer time. Religiously the Imam says “Athan” (call to prayer) the people that are fasting eat a date and drink water or milk. The Imam advised the guests that those who are wanting to pray can begin, and those who are not Muslims are welcome to watch them pray or enjoy the delicious dinner (oh did I mention the delicious dinner?)  To my surprise all the guests chose to watch the prayer. It was a beautiful sight.
After prayer everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner (yes it was amazingly good!) Everyone took the time to visit and enjoy each other’s company.
On July 5th Ramadan came to an end, and Muslims celebrated Eid on the 6th.
So we would like to wish our Muslim neighbors a belated but very happy Eid Mubarak.
This blog is republished with permission from https://ahpdchief.wordpress.com/2016/07/12/guest-blogger-officer-farah-hilliker-shares-her-visit-to-a-local-ramadan-celebration/.

Save this post to PDFPrint this post