08/03/2026
Last Friday (6 Mar), Dialogue Centre collaborated with .sg for an Interfaith Iftar. Participants learnt that fasting is a common practice in many faith traditions, although variations exist in the way fasting is observed, such as duration, abstention, and time of the year.
Six faith practitioners shared about fasting in their respective tradition: Susie Wong (Baha'i), Geshe Lobsang Yonten (Tibetan Buddhist), Francois Bretault (Catholic Christian), Anuradha (Hindu), Imran Taib (Sunni Muslim) and Ashish Patangiya (Jain).
Through the Human Library concept, participants delved into the diversity of religious traditions, as well as nuances across and within the faiths concerning fasting and other practices.
What emerged from the conversations were greater appreciation and deeper understanding, as well as new friendships forged. Many expressed that this event allowed them to know firsthand a faith tradition that they had not personally encountered before, especially the Baha'i Faith and Jainism.
This event had also surfaced commonalities such as the virtues of patience, self-restraint and compassion through the devotional practice of fasting.
Here's some fun-facts: the event happened on the first day of the Baha'i month of fasting (19 days), while the Muslims were entering the 16th day of Ramadan (Muslim fasting month). We are also in the Lent season---a season of fasting (from meat, typically, and on certain days, particularly Fridays) for many Christians.
Thank you to all participants who joined this meaningful event and for the active curiosity! We also thank the speakers for providing wonderful insights with openness and passion!
May we grown in our understanding and appreciation of the diverse and beautiful religious landscape we have in Singapore!
