Sharing a meal brings people together

To break bread with someone is more than just a simple act of tearing a loaf in two.

To break bread with someone is to connect with them, share meaningful conversation and embark on a friendship.

That was the tone of the first official Eid Lunch held at Ryerson last month. The lunch was a celebration of Eid al-Adha, an Islamic holiday celebrated by more than 1.8 billion Muslims across the world. It is a time for sharing, charity and community. It was organized by the Muslim Faculty and Staff Community Network, a group of Ryerson University employees who identify as Muslim and are working to foster an environment of mutual respect and awareness.

“We wanted to organize the lunch so that people can learn about Eid and the Muslim community,” said Sakeena Mihar, co-chair of the Muslim Faculty and Staff Community Network. “This was about bringing Eid to Ryerson as an institution, bringing people together, learning about each other and what’s common between us.”

“The Feast of Sacrifice”

Eid al-Adha is also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice” or “Festival of Sacrifice” as it commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son to God. Imam Yasin Dwyer, Muslim Chaplain at Ryerson, asked attendees to “reflect on what exactly are we willing to sacrifice in the name of that is good? Is it material? Sacrifice is like a candle - you have to burn in order to give light. Are we willing to burn for our loved ones to give light? This is really the point of Eid al-Adha.”

“This idea of sacrifice resonates with me because sacrifice often precedes blessings and supporting others so they can be blessed,” said Denise O’Neil Green, vice-president of equity and community inclusion. “I can honestly say I’m humbled by the strength and commitment of all of Ryerson’s community networks in helping the university to understand the need for support in all facets of our identities. Collaborations like this... are the efforts that continue to make Ryerson truly an inclusive place.”

This year the holiday was celebrated on Sunday, August 11, 2019, as Muslims follow a lunar calendar and the start of the month is dependent on the sighting of the new moon crescent. The annual Hajj pilgrimage (external link)  to Mecca – the holiest city for Muslims around the world – is also undertaken by members of faith who can do so during this holiday.

Making time for each other

 (PDF file) Postcards were given at the lunch listing resources available for anyone who has experienced or knows someone who has faced Islamophobia on campus. Resources included where to report the incident, how to access workplace accommodation requests and how to contact Imam Yasin Dwyer, who reminded us to make time for each other not just in times of need.

The lunch was catered by RU Eats and featured Moroccan chicken, chana masala, salad and rice, and a range of desserts provided by The Nile Catering. The menu was thoughtfully chosen to show the diverse and authentic foods eaten in the Muslim community, a group that is not monolithic and has an intersection of identities in its population.

“Ryerson prides itself on the spectrum of worldviews, knowledge and experiences that exist across campus, and the creation of opportunities to learn from one another’s similarities and differences,” said Michael Benarroch, provost and vice-president, academic. “We can’t assume that we’ll become a more equitable, diverse and inclusive institution because we deem it a priority. Every day we must make intentional decisions to turn these beliefs into action; we must think and act with purpose to make it happen. I hope this is the beginning of many more occasions that bring our community together.”

October is Islamic Heritage Month. Check the Muslim Faculty and Staff Community Network website for more information on upcoming events.