Celebrate Ramadan at Unity of Fairfax This Week

An Oakton church will host a multi-faith Ramadan tent this week.

The event at Unity of Fairfax, which is free and open to members of all faiths, will include dinner for guests. The Muslim holiday takes place for 30 days each year and requires reflection and submission to Allah, according to the Fiqh Council of North America.

Eating and drinking is prohibited from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. Families celebrate the breaking of the fast each evening.

Ahmet Tarik Ilhan, executive director of the American Turkish Friendship Association, located in Fairfax, and Rev. Russell Heiland, senior minister at Unity of Fairfax, worked together to plan this year's Ramadan Tent, according to a press release from the group.   

The tent drew 300 people to Fairfax City’s Van Dyck Park last year, said Deidre Richardson, spokeswoman for the Unity of Fairfax Church. Usually, people from all over Fairfax County attend, Richardson said.  

The Ramadan Tent opens at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night. For more information, contact Unity of Fairfax at 703-281-1767 or contact ATFA, (703) 267-5751.