Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom will be hosting a Ramadan dinner, or ‘iftar’, to celebrate the city’s Muslim community on May 29.
The dinner will be held in collaboration with the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta.
Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset, going without any food or water during their fast. Ramadan is meant to allow Muslims to reevaluate their lives, appreciate their blessings and strengthen their self-control.
READ | 5 things you should know about Ramadan
This year, Ramadan began on May 15 and will end June 14.
Around 250 people are expected to be in attendance, according to Soumaya Khalifa, the executive director of the Islamic Speakers Bureau.
The ISB is an organization which aims to bridge the gap between Muslims and surrounding communities through motivational speakers and community engagement.
READ | Muslims in America, by the numbers
Several city mayors, leaders from Muslim communities and other religious and civic representatives are expected to attend the dinner, which will be held at Atlanta City Hall.
This event will mark the second year an Atlanta mayor hosts a Ramadan Iftar for Atlanta Muslims. Former mayor Kasim Reed hosted the first ever dinner last year, where 150 people came together to celebrate the evening.
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