More Than a Meal: The Spirit of Iftar and Mentorship

Ramadan is the holiest of months for Muslims around the world—a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It’s a time to strengthen faith, show gratitude, and give back to others. One of the most cherished moments each day is Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. But Iftar means more than just delicious food; it’s about coming together, sharing stories, and building connections.

For Muslim refugees who have been forced to leave behind their homes, families, and traditions Ramadan and Iftar mean a lot more than sharing a meal. In a new place, gathering for Iftar can bring comfort, reminding them that they are not alone. It’s a chance to form connections and find a community, celebrate culture, and feel a sense of belonging again.

One of our volunteer organizers, Maryam Shahzad, shared the following with us:

I was especially pleased to see the Baylor College of Medicine mentors join us and our youth. Their participation made the event even more special and meaningful. Not only did we enjoy a delicious Iftar meal, but the event also provided a fantastic opportunity for our new matches to meet each other, as well as for the existing matches to reconnect and have fun, engaging in helpful conversations. The connections made during this event were truly heartwarming.

The food was multicultural and absolutely delicious! We had a variety of dishes, including dates, biryani, Lebanese bread with cheese, Qatar salads, bolani, and baklava for dessert. It was a great way to celebrate the occasion and enjoy diverse flavors. Overall, the event was a great success, and I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere.

The event was held at the ECDC Houston Multicultural Center office on Saturday, March 22nd, and was organized by Dr. Abdi Hassan, Mustafa Azimi, Maryam Shahzad, and the BCM mentors, whose efforts in bringing everyone together did not go unnoticed. Their dedication and hard work made the evening a great success, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who attended.

A huge thank you to Baylor College of Medicine for their unwavering support. Their mentorship means the world to our community, and their commitment to guiding and inspiring our clients through programs like this is truly remarkable. They continue to make a real difference in the lives of so many, and we’re so grateful for their kindness, generosity, and encouragement.

If you would like to support future events or learn more about our work, please visit ecdchmc.org or email us at info@ecdchmc.org.